England captain Ben Stokes has moved to ease fears over his fitness despite picking up a back injury in the first Test victory over New Zealand.
The tourists sealed an emphatic eight-wicket win on day four in Christchurch, but Stokes sparked fears over his fitness when he pulled up with a back problem in his fifth over of the morning.
Stokes prematurely ended his bowling spell after three deliveries, with Brydon Carse stepping up to lead the bowlers, but the 33-year insists it was a precaution after damaging his back in an attempt to take a catch on day one.
“Wear and tear is probably the best way to describe it,” Stokes told the Test Match Special podcast.
“I didn't want to do any more damage than I already felt in my body. I'll be fine for Wellington.”
Stokes now faces a race to prove his fitness for the second Test of the three-match series on Friday.
Stokes overcame a hamstring problem and sat out four Tests before returning for the second Test in Pakistan in October.
The all-rounder has played a reduced role with the ball in recent years, but did bowl 19.3 overs and contributed 80 with the bat.
“I'm good,” Stokes added. “It's been a pretty big week. I know the skill I have as a player. I go out there and try to deliver every single time. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
“I’m really happy with how we’ve gone about it this week. Everyone had a smile on their face, including me, so that was good.
“The body is going to be good for this outing and ready to go in Wellington.”
