ENG vs NZ 2nd Test: No change in England XI, Matt Henry set to return for the hosts

Matt Henry. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

England will have the same playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand, captain Ben Stokes confirmed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Black Caps are expected to make an addition to their bowling unit, with Matt Henry returning to the camp after an injury stint.

The Stokes-led side won the opening Test by 267 runs at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui last week. With a thumping win, the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second and final Test is scheduled to be held on Friday, February 24 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

England’s victory had imprinted the ‘Bazball’ attacking approach which they have been playing under captain Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Their seamers Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and Ollie Robinson played a vital role in ensuring victory in the first match. Stokes said that the bowlers pulled up a stunning show as the team came up with the decision to not change the playing XI. The all-rounder also indicated that all of them were fit for the match.

“It was just a case of seeing how the bowlers pulled up and they’ve all pulled up pretty well so, yeah, unchanged team. 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,” Stokes said.

“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,” the 31-year-old cricketer 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,” he concluded.

On the other hand, New Zealand skipper Tim Southee has stated that his side is unlikely to try to emulate England’s aggressive style of play. However, the seamer added that they are completely aware of the situation and believe that they will have the home advantage.

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