England announce unchanged playing XI for the 2nd Test, Jack Leach returns

The England team is coming off a high after their victory against the BlackCaps in the first Test at Lords. The second Test between England and New Zealand will commence on Friday (10th June) at Trent Bridge. The England team has announced an unchanged XI for this match.

Ben Stokes’ men started with a victory under his reign as they defeated New Zealand by five wickets to register their second win in 18 games in the longest format of the game. Stokes’ captaincy was praised for his attacking intent and field placements in the first Test. The all-rounder will hope to clinch the three-match series with a victory in the Nottingham Test.

Meanwhile, England team hasn’t made any changes to their playing XI for the potential series-deciding second Test. Jack Leach has retained his place in the team after suffering a concussion during the first match of the series and is cleared to play in the Nottingham Test after completing his mandatory seven-day concussion return-to-play protocol.

England will face a stern test against the Kiwis in the second Test

Although the Englishmen came up triumphs in the opening Test, the BlackCaps weren’t far off in the contest. Had Colin de Grandhomme not overstepped, Stokes would’ve been back in the hut at a crucial phase of the match. Former England skipper Joe Root’s heroic resilience in the second innings was the main turning point of the match.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis would be without the services of Colin de Grandhomme as the all-rounder has been ruled out for the rest of the series due to a heel injury sustained in the first Test. Meanwhile, Henry Nicholls has regained his fitness and will probably replace the injured De Grandhomme. Spinner Ajaz Patel’s place in the side is also doubtful as the Kiwi bowled just two overs in the Lords Test. Neil Wagner or Matt Henry can replace the spinner in the playing XI for New Zealand.

England Playing XI for Second Test: Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson