England vs New Zealand 2021, 2nd Test: England’s Predicted Playing XI

England and New Zealand face-off in the second of the two-Test matches of this series in Edgbaston. The first Test was a draw which means that the second one is a series decider. While past records say England is the favorite, the recent form says New Zealand.

In the last five Tests between the two sises, the Kiwis have emerged victorious on two occasions while England has not won a single Test match. This article meanwhile is about England’s Predicted Playing XI for the second Test.

With a few of their key players missing, it will be difficult for England coach Chris Silverwood has got a tough job of picking the best possible XI from the available players.

Meanwhile, Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes are not available due to injury while others like Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Jos Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow have all been rested for this tour after completing their mandatory quarantine since returning from the IPL.

England’s Predicted Playing XI For 2nd Test 

Dom Sibley

Sibley registered scores of 0 and 60 not out in the first Test as England managed to draw the first Test after being in a spot of bother in the second innings. He showed enough resilience and resistance to hold onto his place in the second Test. 

Also Read: 5 Batsmen Who Have Faced Most Balls In Test Cricket Since 2016

Rory Burns

Burns capped off a memorable Lord’s Test match scoring his first Test ton at this venue. He batted all the way through in the first innings and was the last batsman to be dismissed in the innings. He scored a crucial 25 in the second innings Thus Burns and Sibley are the settled opening pair. 

Also Read: England vs New Zealand 2021, 1st Test: England’s Predicted Playing XI

Joe Root

Root slots in at number three. While his opposite number is likely to miss the Test match, Root would like to make the most of his chance. He scored 42 and 40 in the first Test.

Zak Crawley

With Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler missing from the Test squad, the onus will be on the other players to cover up for them. Crawley is one among the players and he should bat at number four.

Ollie Pope

Pole should follow Crawley in the batting order. He scored a couple of 20s in the first Test. He batted at number five in the first Test as well. England should ideally hop for a little more from the batsmen who has modeled himself very much on former England batsman Ian Bell.

Daniel Lawrence

Lawrence scored s duck in the first Test against New Zealand and did not bat in the second innings. Despite his faliure with Stokes and Buttler missing England have no option but to continue with him with no better replacement for him in the squad either. This completes the look of England’s top 6. 

James Bracey (WK)

Bracey made his debut for England in the first Test at Lord’s. With regular keepers missing, he too will hold his place for the second Test. He scored a duck on debut and took a couple of catches. 

James Anderson

Anderson will surpass Sir Alaistair Cook when he plays the second Test. he will be England’s most-capped Test player with 162 caps to his name. He is also four wickets shy of overtaking Anil Kumble’s tally of 619 Test wickets.

Stuart Broad

Broad will partner Anderson from the other end. The two bowlers bowling together is England’s best chance of winning the Test match. He did not have a good Test match by his standards on helpful conditions. He took just one wicket in the game. 

Dom Bess

Jack Leach

Leach completes England’s Predicted Playing XI line-up. He did not play in the first Test. However, conditions are more suited for him to have a bowl in the second game. He is a tough cookie with the bat as well. 

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