New Zealand vs England: Ben Stokes an inspiration – Matthew Potts
“A big round of applause to the captain,” said Potts, Durham’s teammate. “He cast three long spells in there, one of which was eight bodyguards.”
Potts returns to the England squad to make his Tour debut, replacing Chris Woakes.
Potts, 26, has been in and out of the team since his 2022 debut. This is his 10th appearance for the team and his second of the winter.
He claimed 75 for 3, including a 44-run knock off Kane Williamson at his own stumps. Potts has dismissed the New Zealand talisman four times in the five innings bowled to him.
Asked if it was frustrating waiting for his chance in the England squad, Potts said: “I wouldn’t say it’s frustrating, no. I’ve enjoyed every moment of being part of this team. I can always Do some work and help others.
“There’s a lot of competition for places and that’s a great thing from a team perspective. These things happen. You travel around and don’t play and then you get opportunities.”
England are hoping to become just the third visiting team to sweep their opponents away 3-0 in the country.
Stokes won the toss and elected to field, a decision that seemed to backfire when Tom Latham and Will Young shared New Zealand’s highest opening partnership in 18 months.
But England fought back throughout the afternoon and evening to keep the game delicately balanced. On a pitch that can turn and have uneven bounce late in the game, England may need to take a healthy lead in the first innings.
“It’s all in the balance,” Potts said. “The pitch performed better all day and started to look like a good batting wicket.
“We were really good. We kept the ball down the field and hung in there in the heat.”
