England have unveiled their playing XI for the third and final Test match of the ongoing series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on December 14 at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The team has made a solitary change from the second Test, with right-arm seamer Matthew Potts replacing bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes.
Major change for England in the last test at Hamilton
Potts has an impressive record in Test cricket, having taken 31 wickets in nine matches at an average of 29.22. His performances include a four-wicket haul, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly with the ball. Potts last represented England in the high-scoring Multan Test against Pakistan in October.
On the other hand, Woakes has been excluded after failing to make a substantial impact in the ongoing series. In the first Test at Hagley Oval, Woakes managed to score just one run and claimed three wickets. His performances in the second Test at the Basin Reserve included scoring 18 runs and registering bowling figures of 1/26 and 2/20. This inconsistency could be a factor behind his omission from the playing XI.
England’s historical opportunity against New Zealand
For England, Ollie Pope will retain his role as wicketkeeper, continuing the responsibilities he has shouldered throughout the series. England’s skipper, Ben Stokes, expressed confidence in his team as they aim to conclude the series on a high note. With everything in place for an intriguing final Test, all eyes will be on Hamilton as England pursues a historic clean sweep while New Zealand will potentially bid farewell to one of their legends, Tim Southee.
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England are on the brink of creating history by achieving a clean sweep in a Test series in New Zealand for the first time since March 1963. The last time England accomplished such a feat was under the captaincy of Ted Dexter. Having secured victories in Christchurch and Wellington, the visitors aim to extend their dominance and secure a 3-0 series triumph in the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy.
While the Hamilton Test carries emotional weight and a chance for England to script history, it remains inconsequential in the context of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Both England and New Zealand are already out of contention for a place in the final, making this match more about pride and individual milestones.
England’s playing XI for the Hamilton Test against New Zealand
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir
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