Ben Stokes: Josh Tongue admits England have missed absent captain in second New Zealand Test

Stokes’ absence as a leader and all-rounder was conspicuous as England headed for their third successive defeat in Tests at the Oval.

Chasing the dream and world-record target of 463, the home team closed with a score of 182-5 on Saturday and would likely have been beaten in four days had it not been for stand-in captain Joe Root’s unbeaten score of 75.

Without Stokes to balance the team, England were forced to select Jordan Cox as specialist batsman at number seven, skipping spinner Shoaib Bashir.

After Ollie Robinson missed the game through injury and Jamie Smith went on paternity leave, Root was forced to lead an England team that included three debutants and the fewest combined appearances in 17 years.

“Yeah, we missed him,” Stokes’ Tongue said. “Obviously there are a lot of leaders in our team as well.

“To have Rooty step in as captain, he’s an incredible player and an incredible leader as well. It’s good.”

Stokes and Atkinson broke England’s midnight curfew by celebrating beating New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s.

The pair were present when a security personnel was shot by a Saracens rugby player.

Both Stokes and Atkinson have been interviewed as part of the investigations and Stokes will return as captain for the third Test at Trent Bridge, which starts on Thursday.