At Seddon Park in Hamilton, pacer Matthew Potts took the place of veteran Chris Woakes in the England side for the third Test match against New Zealand. Against the BlackCaps in 2022, the Durham pacer made his Test debut and took 14 wickets during the series. Although he was predicted to keep his spot, his chances were diminished by Ollie Robinson’s comeback. Before Josh Hull took his spot in 2024, the 26-year-old played a few matches against Sri Lanka and made just one appearance in a Test match in 2023.
In light of the upcoming Australia tour, the team management decided to explore alternative options now that England was ahead 2-0 in the series.
For the same reason, Potts returned to the starting lineup. Speaking about the recent development, skipper Ben Stokes said that it is another chance for the squad to develop the other pacers available for selection. He is probably going to take up the new ball in Woakes’ absence.
This is another chance to examine a fast bowler who is expected to play a significant role in the future. Without a doubt, you made it easier for yourself to make the shift. There’s a huge engine on Pottsy. In addition to being able to bowl a lot of overs during the day, Stokes claims that he is a very skilled bowler who has improved his skills by being here and occasionally working with Jimmy [Anderson].
He’s another adaptable bowler who can be used with the new ball and our short-ball strategy because he’s so fit. He has the ability to bowl you 20 overs in a single day and then rock up again to bowl you another 20,” he continued.
Numerous people have been proven incorrect by Woakes’ actions during the winter: Ben Stokes.
Before the series against Pakistan, Woakes’ international average was 51. His strong performances in consecutive series against Pakistan and New Zealand, however, contributed to the average dropping to 48.93. He was hailed by Captain Stokes as being “pretty influential” and as being outstanding throughout the 2024 away tours.
Given his away record, Chris Woakes was under some scrutiny going into the winter tours, but I believe his actions this season have shown many people wrong. He’s been amazing; he was brilliant in Pakistan and rather powerful here,” Stokes remarked.
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