England will adopt a wait-and-see approach on the availability of captain Ben Stokes as the all-rounder missed training on Tuesday after feeling unwell as his side started their preparations for the third Test at Headingley.
Stokes was absent while the rest of the squad trained ahead of the Leeds Test, which starts on Thursday, with the hosts having already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.
An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesperson told AFP and PA that Stokes had tested negative for Covid-19 on Tuesday but was being kept away from the group as a precautionary measure.
The decision was made as New Zealand have had several positive Covid cases in their squad over the past couple of weeks. Black Caps captain Kane Williamson was forced to miss the second Test after testing positive on the eve of the match in Nottingham.
Apart from Williamson, the tourists also saw Henry Nicholls, Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell and two members of their back-room team return positive results since arriving in England.
The 31-year-old Stokes, in his first Test series as skipper, will be assessed again ahead of Wednesday's training session.
Stokes hit 75 from 70 balls in the second innings of England's second Test victory over New Zealand at Trent Bridge. It was England's second successive win against the Test world champions, clinching their first red-ball series triumph since January 2021.
-
Jonny Bairstow celebrates reaching his century that helped England defeat New Zealand by five wickets on the final day of the second Test at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. AP -
England captain Ben Stokes, left, celebrates after hitting a four to win the match. Reuters -
England's Jonathan Bairstow hits Trent Boult of New Zealand for six on his way to a brilliant 136. Getty -
England batter Ben Stokes hits a six off the bowling of New Zealand's Trent Boult. Reuters -
Jonny Bairstow celebrates his century at Trent Bridge. Getty -
England's Ben Stokes dives and narrowly avoids a run out. Reuters -
England's Jonny Bairstow is congratulated by captain Ben Stokes after his thrilling innings came to an end. PA -
England batter Jonny Bairstow hits a six. PA -
England captain Ben Stokes plays a shot on his way to an unbeaten 75. AFP -
England's Jonny Bairstow celebrates reaching his 50. AFP -
Tim Southee of New Zealand celebrates after dismissing England's Alex Lees. Getty -
England opener Alex Lees hits a six on his way to 44. Getty -
New Zealand bowler Trent Boult of celebrates dismissing Joe Root. Getty -
A frustrated Joe Root after the England batsman was caught and bowled for three by New Zealand's Trent Boult. Reuters -
England opener Zak Crawley is caught at slip by Tim Southee off the bowling of Trent Boult for a duck. Getty -
New Zealand bowler Matt Henry celebrates the dismissal of England's Ollie Pope for 18. AP -
An aerial view of Trent Bridge, with the football stadiums of Nottingham Forest - the City Ground - and Notts County - Meadow Lane - in the background. Getty -
England bowler Stuart Broad celebrates with teammates the dismissal of New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson for one. AP -
New Zealand batter Matt Henry is bounced out by Stuart Broad for 18. Reuters -
Stuart Broad of England celebrates dismissing Matt Henry. Getty
In case Stokes is ruled out, the Three Lions will have to make a decision on his stand-in as there is no vice-captain in place.
His predecessor, Joe Root, would be the obvious choice in terms of experience but having opened up on the mental toll the job had taken on him prior to stepping away, the management might look at other seniors.
In that case, one of Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Jonny Bairstow could step in. However, at least one of Broad and Anderson could be rested this week, given the lack of preparation time before England's next Test – last year's rearranged series finale against India.
If that happens, Craig Overton and uncapped twin brother Jamie, who has been added to the squad as an extra fast bowling option, will be hoping for a chance.
Should both make the XI together, they would become the first ever twins to line up for England at the same time, with Jill and Jane Powell having done so in different matches for England women.
"It would feel pretty special. It's a moment that we've always wanted," said Jamie Overton. "At times it has looked like it's not going to happen, so the fact it potentially could happen on Thursday is really magical."
