England have opted for continuity, naming an unchanged playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, after seamer Ollie Robinson was ruled out with a back injury.
Robinson Sidelined
Ollie Robinson, who took five wickets in the first Test at Mount Maunganui, has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back. The 29-year-old will return to England for rehabilitation and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
His absence means England will field the same bowling attack that secured a 267-run victory in the first Test: James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, and Jack Leach. Captain Ben Stokes confirmed the side at the toss.
Unchanged Batting Line-Up
The batting order also remains the same, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett opening, followed by Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes. Jonny Bairstow keeps wicket, with the all-rounder continuing in the role in the absence of Ben Foakes.
England's decision to stick with the same XI reflects their desire to build momentum after a dominant performance in the first Test. The victory was their fourth in five Tests under the leadership of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
New Zealand Make Changes
New Zealand, trailing 1-0 in the two-match series, have made two changes to their side. Spinner Michael Bracewell has been ruled out with a finger injury, with all-rounder Rachin Ravindra coming in. Fast bowler Matt Henry replaces the injured Kyle Jamieson.
Captain Tim Southee won the toss and elected to bat first on a green-tinged pitch at the Basin Reserve. The hosts are looking to level the series after a disappointing performance in the first Test, where they were bowled out for 126 and 196.
Stokes Confident
Ben Stokes expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt to conditions. "We know New Zealand will come hard at us, but we have the players to respond," he said. "The boys are in a good place, and we're looking forward to the challenge."
The second Test begins on Thursday (local time) at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
