England named an unchanged XI for the second Test of the 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 from Thursday, December 6 at the Wellington Basin Reserve. Debutant Jacob Bethell was one of the standout performers in the Christchurch Test, playing a decisive 37 off 50 balls. fourth innings to help England chase down a modest target of 104 in just 12.4 overs.
England have announced their unchanged squad for the second Test against New Zealand
Jacob Bethell batted at number 3 for the first time in his first-class career from 20 games and scored 10 for 34 in the first innings, but in the second innings the youngster surprised one and all.
His impressive debut earned the 21-year-old another chance at the crucial No.3 position for the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: ICC BCCI Revenue Share Asked From Pakistan
However, there was talk of potential changes, particularly with Durham wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson available as a replacement for the injured Jordan Cox, but the England cricket team decided to stick with Jacob Bethell at No.3 and keep the others healthy.
This means that Olly Pope will be donning the wicketkeeper’s gloves again and batting at number 6. England’s vice-captain has taken responsibility overseas in the past.
His solid 77 at No.6 in the opening round in Christchurch highlighted his versatility, but Olly Pope expressed his preference for a return to the No.3 position, where he has thrived under Ben Stokes.
Chris Woakes praises Olly Pope for his outstanding performance
For now, Pope remains a reliable option behind the wickets for the England team on the ongoing tour of New Zealand after showing some quick fire with some key hits in the first Test match.
Ahead of the second Test against the Black Caps, Chris Woakes praised Pope for his excellent work as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
Also Read: Sanjay Manjrekar Gives Cold Judgment On Rohit Sharma’s Place In India And Australia Tests
Chris Woakes said in Wellington: “They always say when you don’t care about a keeper he’s done a good job and Ollie certainly did that. He was brilliant last week and stepped into a role that he hasn’t done a lot of. Obviously He can be retained for England and he has done it before, but to step up in such a short space of time and do what he has done is fantastic.
For him to score just shows his character, he shows his hand for the team without any fuss or fuss. It was great to go to number six, get a score like that for us and contribute to a great partnership.”
Woakes also backed Zac Crowley 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 now averages 9.88 against New Zealand in 17 innings of Test cricket.
Here is the England squad for the second Test against New Zealand:
Zach Crowley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (WK), Ben Stokes (C), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Kars, Shoaib Bashir
