Published - | Updated - February 23, 2023 06:40 am
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England named an unchanged roster for the second and final Test against New Zealand, which will start on Friday in Wellington, after captain Ben Stokes praised his team for playing “the ideal game” to take a 1-0 series lead. The tourists easily won the first Test on Mount Maunganui by 267 runs, and James Anderson, a 40-year-old fast bowler, claimed seven of those wickets. With the collection, he ousted Australia’s captain Pat Cummins and reclaimed the top spot in the Test bowling world rankings for the first time since 2018.
Anderson returned to the top after recording 7-54 in the match at the Bay Oval as a member of a strong pace trio with Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson.
Truly, I don’t think that will really affect him. Stokes stated on Thursday that he will only carry on doing what he is currently doing.
“Like many of the other men in the locker room, I think Jimmy has been among the best in the world for a very, very long time.
The skipper remarked, “Having someone like him along with Broady and Robbo is a fantastic thrill to be able to lead at the time. “When I need a wicket, I know I can toss the ball to him.”
Stokes said that he had considered resting one or more of his front-line seamers for the Basin Reserve game, but all three had informed him on Thursday that they felt refreshed and ready.
He speculated that the three could have been motivated by the grassy pitch’s ability to slide sideways.
According to Stokes, there must be a careful balance between choosing your strongest 11 and making sure that your bowlers are well prepared.
It was quite easy to recognise the team after they gave the all-clear.
The victory last week was England’s 10th in their last 11 Test matches under Stokes and their first on New Zealand soil in 15 years.
Stokes was happy with his team’s performance because they adhered to a plan that involved putting pressure on New Zealand’s top order as they played in light-friendly conditions.