For England, Ben Stokes will lead the hosts onto the park as captain for the first in the absence of Joe Root who has withdrawn from the squad for the birth of his child.

The New Zealand-born all-rounder says that while the captaincy was never in his plans, he wants to lead by example.

“I hope that I always try to set the example in terms of attitude and commitment towards what I do. Even if I am in charge that’s not going to change the way that I go about things, in terms of how I want to influence the game, which is to try and make a positive effect with the ball or bat in my hand.”

“I think the last time I captained might have been an academy game against Scotland or something. I don’t remember much because I was about 16,” he said.

“I’ve never set a goal out to want to be a captain, it’s just always been about winning.

“Alastair was always destined to be England captain after Andrew Strauss. Joe was always destined to be captain after Alastair Cook. If I’m being honest, I’m not one of those that people would necessarily associate as the next England captain. That’s what everyone says.

“Getting the opportunity to captain England is a huge honour. Even if it’s only the once you can still say ‘yeah, I’ve captained England’. At the same time I know I’m only stepping in to take over the reins for the one game because of Joe’s personal situation.”

Play at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton is scheduled to get underway at 12:00 on Wednesday afternoon.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport