The final of the two-Test series between England and New Zealand is being held in Edgbaston from Thursday. England won the toss and decided to bat. New Zealand have made 6 changes to their squad for this Test match. Before the match, New Zealand suffered a huge setback. Kiwis wicketkeeper batsman BJ Watling has been ruled out of the second Test due to a back problem. In his place, Tom Blendel was chosen as the wicketkeeper.
New Zealand regular captain Kane Williamson has not played in the Test. In his place is Tom Lantham. Spin bowler Mitchell Santner is not playing Test matches as he is not fit. Noted commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted about the 6 changes the New Zealand team made. He tweeted, “Six changes from New Zealand, looking forward to playing one match and another. With 8 days left for the WTC final.
Six changes from New Zealand L Blackcaps. Six! You can see that they are playing one game over another. The # WTCFinal2021 Only 8 days!
– Hersh Bhogle June 10, 2021
What’s special is that after this Test match, New Zealand will have to play the final of the World Test Championship from 18 to 22 June in Southampton, India. The Indian team reached Southampton on June 3. After three days of quarantine, Team India has started preparations for the final from June 18.
ENG vs. NZ: James Anderson made history by leaving Alistair Cooke, topping the England side in this regard
Bowler Trent Boult returns to New Zealand for the second Test against England New Zealand’s Tim Southee, Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamison are not included in the playing XI. In his place, Will Young, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry and Tom Blundell have a chance. England have made a difference in their squad. England have added Ally Stone to replace suspended fast bowler Ally Robinson.
