Bruce backs Stokes for Newcastle centre-half role after Ashes heroics

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce joked that he was willing to play Ben Stokes as a centre half after the England all-rounder's epic century sealed a one-wicket victory over Australia in the third Ashes cricket Test on Sunday. Stokes, who lives in Durham and is a Newcastle fan, smashed an extraordinary unbeaten 135 as the hosts chased down a record target of 359 in dramatic fashion to level the five-match series at 1-1.