ENG vs NZ: Match Preview – New Zealand Tour of England 2022, 3rd Test

England takes on New Zealand in the third and final Test match of the three-match series at Leeds starting on June 23, Thursday. The visitors are leading the series 2-0 by winning the first two Tests by five wickets each. The Kiwis will be looking to complete a whitewash by winning the last Test.

New Zealand, on the other hand, has a reputation to save. They have been totally down and out in the last two games and now see themselves in a must-win situation. New Zealand and England are seventh and eighth respectively on the points table. Both the teams are looking to move up the points table desperately. Injuries and unavailability of players is another concern they have to tackle.

ENG vs NZ: Match Preview – New Zealand Tour of England 2022, 3rd Test

England

The Ben Stokes-led side has dominated the first two Test matches. Joe Root has been in fine form with the bat and the newcomers have delivered as well. The side has managed to bring the best out of the players. The side has also announced their playing XI for the third Test recalling Jamie Overton in place of the injured James Anderson.

Overton has been a long-standing figure in England county cricket with 206 wickets including five fifers in 81 matches. The hosts will reach Leeds on Tuesday afternoon for the game starting on Thursday. They have a good pool of players to choose their final XI from.

England Squad

Ben Stokes (C), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Joe Root

New Zealand

The side has been grappling with injuries in the build-up to the final Test. Devon Conway tested covid positive in the lead-up to the fourth Test. Earlier Michael Bracewell and support staff including physio Vijay Vallabh and strength & conditioning coach Chris Donaldson had tested positive and were under isolation. His inclusion depends on whether or not he gets fit on time for the third Test.

Kyle Jamieson is also ruled out with a back injury. The Management has added wicketkeeper-batsman Dane Cleaver as an injury replacement for keeper Cam Fletcher. Cleaver is Kane Williamson’s cousin. The Kiwis meanwhile are yet to announce Conway’s replacement.

New Zealand Squad

Kane Williamson (C), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Dane Cleaver.

Also Read: ENG vs NZ: England Docked Crucial World Test Championship Points