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.

The highly anticipated three test series begins in Christchurch, with Brendan McCullum returning to NZ to coach his England team against an in form Black Caps side. The Black Caps are coming off an historic 3-0 series win over India, so are full of confidence coming into home conditions. Play starts at 11am NZT.

England head to New Zealand for the second time under locally-born captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum looking to revive the momentum of Bazball against a Blacks Caps side still revelling in a remarkable series triumph in India.

England test captain Ben Stokes said 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. Stokes sat out the lucrative IPL this year to ease his workload following knee problems and was a notable absentee in the auction for the 2025 edition.

Ben Stokes focusing on managing 'back end' of England career after IPL decision - Captain sat out of lucrative T20 tournament in bid to ease his workload