Matthew Potts has been included in England Playing 11 for the third test of the England tour of New Zealand 2024. He is the only change in the lineup replacing Chirs Woakes.
Potts has picked 31 wickets at 29.22 since making his debut in 2022, Playing the first five matches of Ben Stokes’ tenure as captain. The first three were against New Zealand, with Potts excelling with 14 wickets.
However, he has been left out for the returning Ollie Robinson for the second test of the South Africa series that summer, he has his opportunities limited.
He played only one test in 2023 and after playing first two tests against Sri Lanka this summer, was left out for the third as England went for Josh Hull.
With England 2-0 up and the series secure heading into Hamilton, Stokes has decided to give Potts an outing in the team’s 17th and final test of 2024.
One change in Hamilton 🔄
⬅️ @ChrisWoakes
➡️ @MattyJPottsPushing for a clean sweep in NZ 💪#EnglandCricket | @IGcom pic.twitter.com/WyFrTgRfMp
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 13, 2024
“It’s another opportunity to look at one of the fast bowlers that we see playing a big role going forward,” said Stokes on Potts’ selection. “Two-nil up, you obviously put yourself in an easier position to make the change.
“Pottsy’s got a massive engine on him. He can go all day, bowl a lot of overs, but not just that, he’s a very skilful bowler, which he’s got better at by being here, working with Jimmy [Anderson] on a few things here and there.”
“He’s someone who is another versatile bowler, you can use him with the new ball, the short-ball plan that we go to because he’s so fit. He can bowl you 20 overs one day, then rock up again and bowl you another 20.”
Stokes heaped praised Woakes’ output on this tour. The 35-year old has taken six wickets at 29.16 including Kane Williamson.
He hasn an overseas average of 51 coming into the winter has been reduced slightly to 48.93. And though there is uncertainity as to whether Woakes makes the trop to Australia next winter for the 2025-26 Ashes, Stokes believes the Warwickshire veteran has shown his class.
“Chris Woakes came into the winter tours with a bit of scrutiny behind his away record but I think what he has done over the winter has proved a lot of people wrong,” said Stokes. “He’s been fantastic, he was great in Pakistan and pretty influential over here.”
England Playing 11 for Third New Zealand Test: Tom Latham (c), Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Will O’Rourke.
