England have announced an unchanged playing eleven for the second Test of their series against New Zealand, set to begin on December 6 in Wellington. The decision follows their dominant eight-wicket victory in the first Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Jacob Bethell, who made a sensational debut in Christchurch, retains his place in the team. Bethell scored a remarkable unbeaten fifty in the second innings, helping England chase down the target with ease and solidify their advantage in the series.
Recapping the first Test, England’s bowlers and debutant Bethell played pivotal roles in the victory. On Day 4, New Zealand resumed their innings at 155/6 with a slim four-run lead. Daryl Mitchell provided resistance with a resilient 84, supported by Nathan Smith (21) and contributions from the lower order. However, England’s Brydon Carse dismantled the tail, finishing with career-best figures of 6/42. New Zealand was bowled out for 254, leaving England with a modest target of 104 runs.
England’s batters made light work of the chase. Bethell, in particular, shone brightly, smashing a blistering 50 not out off just 37 balls on debut, steering the team to victory without significant resistance from New Zealand’s bowlers.
Ben Stokes will continue to lead the side as they aim to seal the series in Wellington. With the same XI that delivered a clinical performance in Christchurch, England looks well-prepared to maintain their winning momentum.
The second Test begins December 6, with England seeking a series sweep and New Zealand looking to bounce back from their first-Test defeat.
England Playing Eleven: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (WK), Ben Stokes (C), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.