New Zealand v England: Ben Stokes backs opener Zak Crawley
England and New Zealand remain unchanged for Thursday’s match at Basin Reserve at 22:00 GMT.
This means England seamer Chris Woakes will once again feature in overseas Tests. The 35-year-old has had a poor record away from home, losing his wickets at an average of 51.4 runs compared to 21.6 at home.
In the first Test at Christchurch, Woakes made a crucial intervention in New Zealand’s second innings when he removed Kane Williamson and Tom Brundle in succession.
“A guy of his skill level should never doubt himself no matter where he is,” Stokes said. “It’s confidence in myself, myself and Brendan McCullum, who Not just someone who will play in England.”
A win for England in Wellington will secure their first Test series victory in New Zealand since 2008.
New Zealand struggled in the first Test, conceding eight catches. The pressure was on them not to make changes despite wicketkeeper Brundle and tailor Tim Southee set to retire after the third and final Test. They once again opted not to use frontline spin and instead relied on all-rounder Glenn Phillips to drive through.
“Looking at the game here, Wellington’s first-class game, the balance we got was right for this wicket,” captain Tom Latham said. “We obviously have some rotation options in the front seven anyway.”
The two sides last met here in February 2023, resulting in One of the greatest Tests ever.
England were beaten by a single point, becoming the fourth team to be beaten after executing the follow-on game.
“It’s great to be in this Test,” Stokes said. “I’m one of the very few players who can say I was part of a game that separated two teams.”
