England name unchanged XI for second Test against New Zealand

England have announced an unchanged team for the second Test against New Zealand, which starts this Friday in Wellington.

With experienced seamer Ollie Robinson joining the squad this week, there was some speculation that the tourists could shuffle things around.

Question marks hovered over whether rookie batter Jacob Bethell would retain his spot, despite the 21-year-old hitting a half-century in Christchurch.

• NZ, ENGLAND BOTH FINED FOR SLOW OVER-RATES IN FIRST TEST

Zak Crawley, who made one run across two innings in the first Test, was also under threat of losing his place.

However, the English management has chosen to show faith in the side which defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first Test.

Veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes is confident Crawley will find his form.

“A lot of the time I think these stats that come out are pure coincidence,” Woakes said of Crawley’s record against New Zealand.

“I don’t think it’s anything to do with anything.

“New Zealand has some very good opening bowlers.

“He faces the new ball when they are their freshest and best, so he’s probably got some good balls in there.

“We’ve seen the quality Zak has.

“Opening the batting is such a difficult job to do, that you will have occasions where you get low scores.

“We’ve seen what Zak can do.

“When he gets in, he’s one of the worst batters to be bowling at in international cricket.

“I’m sure that (his record against New Zealand) will change.”

England have a chance to claim their first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008, with Bovada paying -303.03 for the visitors to do so.

Cricket betting sites have odds to win the second Test at +110 each way, with the draw returning +850.

England XI for second Test against New Zealand

1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. ⁠Jacob Bethell
4. Joe Root
5. ⁠Harry Brook
6. Ollie Pope (wicketkeeper)
7. ⁠Ben Stokes (captain)
8. ⁠Chris Woakes
9. Gus Atkinson
10. ⁠Brydon Carse
11. Shoaib Bashir

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