England made one change for the final Test against New Zealand. Matthew Potts replaced Chris Woakes. Captain Ben Stokes highlights Potts’ impressive stamina and versatile performances.
Matthew Potts Returns To The England Playing XI
England has made one change for the third and final Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park. Matthew Potts made his comeback in the playing XI replacing Chris Woakes.Potts will play his 10th Test cap as England is eyeing to claim the series with3-0. Potts has impressed with 31 wickets at an average of 28.22.
Captain Ben Stokes highlighted Potts’ strength and versatility.”It’s another opportunity to look at one of the fast bowlers that we see playing a big role going forward,” said Stokes on Potts’ selection. “Two-nil up, you obviously put yourself in an easier position to make the change.
“Pottsy’s got a massive engine on him. He can go all day, bowl a lot of overs, but not just that, he’s a very skilful bowler, which he’s got better at by being here, working with Jimmy [Anderson] on a few things here and there. He’s someone who is another versatile bowler, you can use him with the new ball, the short-ball plan that we go to because he’s so fit. He can bowl you 20 overs one day, then rock up again and bowl you another 20.”
Chris Woakes Contribution Against New Zealand
Chris Woakes is going to miss the final test but he made a crucial contribution with his outstanding performance. The veteran seamer took six wickets at an average of 29.16. He silences critics who questioned his overseas record. Stokes praised Woakes’ impact, noting his key dismissal of Kane Williamson.
Woakes’ overseas average has improved slightly from 51 to 48.93 after his solid performance in Pakistan and New Zealand.
“Chris Woakes came into the winter tours with a bit of scrutiny behind his away record but I think what he has done over the winter has proved a lot of people wrong,” said Stokes. “He’s been fantastic, he was great in Pakistan and pretty influential over here.”
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