England have named their starting XI for the second and final Test against New Zealand, starting in Wellington on Thursday (February 23). Ben Stokes-led side won the first Test of the two-match series comprehensively by 267 runs.
England’s victory imprinted the ‘Bazball’ style of cricket they have been playing under captain Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
The seam attack of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson all impressed in England’s four-day triumph, a 10th win in 11 Tests, and the trio is set to lead the bowling line-up once again after being cleared to play.
Stokes said in his pre-match press conference that it’s a no-brainer to field with the same team at Wellington’s Basin Reserve for the second Test.
“It was just a case of seeing how the bowlers pulled up and they’ve all pulled up pretty well so, yeah, unchanged team,” he told reporters ahead of the match.
“It is a fine line between picking your strongest 11 and ensuring that the bowlers that you pick are 100%. It was pretty easy to pick the team once they told me they were ready to go.
“It would be great to leave here with a 2-0 series win but I don’t think we’ll be looking to go in here to achieve that,” Christchurch-born added.
“I think we’ll be looking to play the exact same cricket we’ve been playing the last 10 to 12 months and if New Zealand are better than us this week, then we’ll be able to say that.”
On the other hand, fast bowler Matt Henry has regained full fitness and will be available to represent New Zealand in the second Test. He is set to replace Scott Kuggeleijn, who had an ordinary performance in the opening Test.
England’s playing XI for the Wellington Test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Ben Foakes (wicket-keeper), Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson.
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