England test captain Ben Stokes says he opted out of the bidding in the Indian Premier League to prioritize playing international cricket in what he described as the “back end” of his career.

Ben Stokes admits he is managing "the back end of my career" after choosing to skip the Indian Premier League and prioritise his time in international cricket.

Captain Ben Stokes says he opted out of the Indian Premier League auction in order to prolong his England career.

(Reuters) - England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening match of a three-test series against New Zealand at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Thursday. His decision was unsurprising given the tinge of green on the wicket on a warm and sunny day in the south island of New Zealand.

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — England won the toss and chose to bowl against New Zealand on Thursday on the first day of the first test at Hagley Oval. The Black Caps come into the series following their 3-0 series win at India. They were the first team to sweep India in a home series of three tests or more.

New Zealand cricket might bend the knee to Australia, but they have just thrashed India 3-0. The Black Caps are ready to take down Bazball.