For the second Test of the current three-match Test series against New Zealand, England has confirmed an identical starting lineup. This is the same team that won the series opener at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch by a commanding eight wickets.
The Basin Reserve in Wellington will host the second Test match between England and New Zealand starting on Thursday, December 6. One of the most impressive players in the Christchurch Test was debutant Jacob Bethell, who helped England reach a modest total of 104 in only 12.4 overs with a vital unbeaten performance of 50 off just 37 balls in the fourth innings.
England’s starting lineup for the second Test match against New Zealand remains intact.
For the first time in his 20-match first-class career, Jacob Bethell batted at number three. He made 10 off 34 in the first innings, but the youthful player astonished everyone in the second innings.
The 21-year-old has earned another chance to bat at the crucial position of No. 3 for the second Test match against New Zealand in Wellington thanks to his outstanding debut.
The management of the England cricket team chose to maintain Jacob Bethell at number three and leave the others in place despite talks of possible changes, especially with Durham wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson available to replace the injured Jordan Cox.
Ollie Pope will thus bat at number six and once more don the wicketkeeping gloves. In the past, the vice captain of England has taken up keeping duties abroad.
Ollie Pope has stated that he would want to go back to the No. 3 spot, where he has flourished under Ben Stokes’ leadership, despite his strong 77 at No. 6 in the first innings in Christchurch demonstrating his versatility.
Ollie Pope’s outstanding performance is praised by Chris Woakes.
Pope, who showed off his keen talents with a few crucial catches in the opening Test match, is still a dependable choice behind the wickets for the English squad on the current tour of New Zealand.
Chris Woakes praised Pope for his outstanding performance as a wicketkeeper-batter ahead of the second Test match against the Black Caps.
“They always say when you don’t notice a keeper, he’s done a good job, and Ollie certainly did that,” Chris Woakes said in Wellington. Last week, he excelled in a role that he hasn’t played much. He can obviously keep and has done so for England in the past, but it was amazing that he stepped up so quickly and performed the job that he did.
He just demonstrates his character by scoring runs and supporting the squad without hesitation. It was enormous to reach to number six, have such a high rating for us, and help form a significant alliance.
Following his dismissal for a duck and one in the opening Test, Woakes also urged Zak Crawley to go back to his best in the current Test series against New Zealand. In 17 Test cricket innings against New Zealand, the opener now averages a pitiful 9.88.
The England starting lineup for the second Test match against New Zealand is as follows:
Ollie Pope (WK), Ben Stokes (C), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, and Zak Crawley
