England, on Thursday, announced an unchanged playing XI for the upcoming second Test of the ongoing three-match series against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, starting June 10.
Spinner Jack Leach has retained his place after he withdrew from the series opener following concussion symptoms. England then opted for Matt Parkinson as a concussion substitute for Leach. The left-arm tweaker continued his seven-day mandatory concussion return to play protocol and has been declared fit to play the second Test.
“Jack Leach continued his seven-day mandatory concussion return-to-play protocol and is fit to play in the match,” England Cricket said in a statement.
Notably, the Ben Stokes-led England registered victory in the first Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground by five wickets thanks to Joe Root’s match-winning unbeaten 115. Riding on Root’s dazzling batting display, England managed to beat the Black Caps and took a 1-0 lead in the three-test match leg, which is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship.
England’s playing XI for second Test: Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Meanwhile, Stokes – who smashed a crucial half-century during England’s chase in the Lord’s Test – has expressed his excitement heading into the second Test against New Zealand.
“It’s fantastic. To come into the second game here with the win under our belts straightaway, with me being captain and Brendon as a coach, it’s obviously better than losing. But one of the great things I found out is just how much fun it’s been,” Stokes told Sky Sports.
“We’re playing for England, we’re doing a job that we all grew up just playing as a hobby. And I think everyone’s just really enjoyed themselves because, at the end of the day, when you’re playing for your country, the first and foremost thing is just to make sure you have as much fun as you possibly can,” he added.
