England have named an unchanged XI for the second Test of the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand, retaining the side that secured a dominant eight-wicket victory in the series opener at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The second Test between New Zealand and England will be played at Basin Reserve in Wellington on Thursday, December 6. Debutant Jacob Bethel was one of the standout performers in the Christchurch Test, hitting a crucial unbeaten 50 off 37 balls. Fourth over to help England chase down a modest target of 104 in just 12.4 overs.
England name an unchanged XI for the second Test against New Zealand
Jacob Bethell batted at No.3 for the first time in his 20-match first-class career and he made 10 off 34 in the first innings, but in the second innings the youngster impressed one and all.
His impressive debut earned the 21-year-old another opportunity at the No. 3 batting position for the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington.
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However, there was talk of potential changes, particularly with Durham wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson replacing the injured Jordan Cox, but England cricket management decided to stick with Jacob Bethell at No.3 and retain others.
This means Ollie Pope will once again be donning the wicketkeeper’s glove and No.6 bat. England’s vice-captain has taken responsibility overseas in the past.
His solid 77 at No.6 in the first innings in Christchurch highlighted his adaptability, but Ollie Pope has indicated he would prefer to return to the No.3 position, where he thrived under the captaincy of Ben Stokes.
Chris Woakes applauds Ollie Pope for his remarkable performance
For now, Pope remains a reliable option behind the stumps for the English team in the ongoing tour of New Zealand after showing sharp skills with several key catches in the first Test match.
Ahead of the second Test against the Black Caps, Chris Woakes hailed Pope for his brilliant performance as a wicketkeeper.
Chris Woakes said in Wellington: “They always say if you don’t focus on a wicket he has done well and Ollie has certainly done that. He was brilliant last week, stepping into a role he hasn’t seen much of. Obviously he can keep England and has done before, but to step up and do what he did in such a short space of time was fantastic.
The way he scores runs just shows his character, he raises his hand to the team without any fuss or crack. “To get to number six, to get such a good score for us and contribute to a great partnership was huge.”
Woakes also backed Zak Crawley to return to form in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand after he was dismissed for a duck and 1 in the first Test. The opener is now at 9.88 against New Zealand in 17 innings of Test cricket.
England’s XI for the 2nd Test against New Zealand is as follows:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (WK), Ben Stokes (C), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Braydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir
