England drop Moeen, Woakes for second Test
Fitness of Stokes still an issue but may play as a specialist batsman ahead of Vince
England have axed Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes for the second and final Test against New Zealand starting today at Christchurch.
All-rounder Moeen scored 28 runs in two innings in the first Test and failed to take a wicket as New Zealand marched to an innings and 49-run victory.
The 30-year-old also struggled in England’s 4-0 Ashes loss in Australia late last year, scoring 179 runs at 19.88 and claiming just five wickets at an average of 115.
Somerset spinner Jack Leach is expected to make his Test debut at Hagley Oval. Batsman James Vince and fast bowler Mark Wood have also been included in the 12-man squad but Lancashire captain Liam Livingstone misses out.
The fitness of Ben Stokes remains an issue. The all-rounder did not bowl in the first Test due to a back problem and could play again as a specialist batsman ahead of Vince.
“There’s obviously a couple of choices we have but it’s exciting there are people pushing and making strong cases for themselves,” England captain Joe Root told reporters.
“That attention to detail and the way we approach training is, I think, really important leading into this game so hopefully we can be ready for what’s going to be a big five days.
“I’m very frustrated in terms of the results and how that side of things has gone. We’ve played really good cricket for three days, which doesn’t win you Test matches.”
New Zealand’s cricket ethos also drew praise from Root as he weighed up the difference between playing the Blacks Caps and Australia over the past four months.
While the Ashes series in Australia was fraught with acrimony, the relationship between England and New Zealand was cordial throughout the first Test despite New Zealand’s domination.
“In terms of atmosphere on the field there might not be as much said verbally when you play against New Zealand.” he said.
“But you still get a sense that they’re playing good hard cricket. They go about things very much in their own way but you know you’re up against a side that are desperate to win.”