Ben Stokes urges England to manage Matthew Potts' expectations after bowler's 'dream debut'

There were plenty of positives for England in their first Test match win against New Zealand last week, but perhaps none as big as Matthew Potts' debut.

The Durham bowler came into a revamped England side and claimed seven wickets on his debut, including New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who was bowled by Potts in both innings.

But while the 23-year-old put on a dazzling display at Lord's, England captain Ben Stokes wants to make sure the expectations for Potts remains reasonable.

"The way that he started last week was obviously amazing," said Stokes.

"It was pretty much a dream debut for him but I think the most important thing from a senior player point of view, and even for the coaches, is making sure that he keeps improving. And, if things don't go his way this week, it's not the be-all and end-all.

"But he's a fantastic competitor, that's why he got the opportunity to play.

"I obviously had to use him in a slightly different role because he normally takes the new ball for Durham, but he came on and I think he took a wicket three or four times in his first over when I asked him to do it, so I'll be looking to use him in the same way, to come in and affect the game and hopefully try and take a wicket when we need one."

Potts will hope to emulate his first Test success against New Zealand again this week at Trent Bridge, and Stokes believes the English weather could help him thrive again.

"We're very evenly matched, especially in English conditions.

"Any overhead (cover) suits both our bowling attacks. We know that every time we go up against New Zealand it's never an easy ride. The game pretty much went to the wire until day four and we don't expect anything less."

The second Test begins on June 10, with play expected to start around 11:00 BST.