Matthew Potts Takes Over from Woakes in England's Only Change for 3rd Test Against New Zealand
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Hamilton, Dec 13 (NationPress) England has confirmed that Matthew Potts, a fast bowler, will be stepping in for fellow pacer Chris Woakes in what marks the sole alteration to their lineup for the third and concluding Test against New Zealand, commencing at Seddon Park this Saturday.
With England leading the series 2-0 and having already secured victory ahead of their final Test of the year in Hamilton, Potts is set to get an opportunity, and he is expected to open the bowling for England in the absence of Woakes. Woakes has taken six wickets across two matches, serving as England's primary bowling figure.
"This is another chance to evaluate one of the pace bowlers that we envision playing a significant role in the future. Being 2-0 up makes it easier to implement this change. Pottsy possesses a tremendous work ethic," stated England captain Ben Stokes.
"He can bowl for extended periods, delivering numerous overs, and beyond that, he is a highly skilled bowler, which he has enhanced by collaborating with Jimmy Anderson on various aspects. He is a versatile player who can be utilized with the new ball and in our short-ball strategy due to his exceptional fitness.
"He can deliver 20 overs one day and then return to bowl another 20. Chris Woakes entered the winter tour facing some criticism regarding his away performance, but I believe his efforts during the winter have disproved many skeptics. He has been outstanding; his performance in Pakistan was impressive and influential here as well," said Stokes to the media on Friday.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham mentioned that they will finalize their playing eleven on the morning of the match, including the decision on whether to grant veteran pacer Tim Southee a farewell appearance before his retirement from Test cricket.
"I’m confident he desires to excel in whatever role he is given. He will appreciate any opportunity that comes his way and is likely excited about the next five days if he gets that chance," he stated.
Top-order batsman Will Young, who earned the title of Player of the Series in New Zealand’s clean sweep of India 3-0, is expected to play as Devon Conway is unavailable for the match in Hamilton due to the arrival of his first child.
England's Playing XI includes: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, and Shoaib Bashir.
