England vs New Zealand: Matt Henry ends hosts' miserable fortnight

What a mess. Even when Stokes is cleared to resume his career and the captaincy, speculation will continue about the state of his relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum.

All of England's management - Stokes, McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key - were backed after the dismal Ashes tour and now find themselves facing a crucial series decider.

England have lost six of their past eight Tests, and the two wins were in extraordinary matches on substandard pitches in Melbourne and at Lord's. This is England's third successive defeat at The Oval.

Yes, England can point to the disruption around this Test, but it was a self-inflicted wound.

Allowances can be made for an XI with three debutants - Cox, James Rew and Sonny Baker - yet England have long identified these players as potential Test cricketers. New Zealand had their own disruption, with the retirement of Kane Williamson, whose replacement Henry Nicholls made a century.

Trent Bridge will leave England nowhere to hide. With their best players available, on what should hopefully be a true pitch and against a strong New Zealand team, it is a must-win situation.