England head coach Brendon McCullum sounded 'worried' about his Test mainstay and former captain, Ben Stokes, who missed out on selection for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. Stokes and seamer Gus Atkinson were involved in a nightclub incident following England’s win in the Lord’s Test, with the ECB launching a probe into the matter. The two breached the midnight curfew, thus facing temporary suspensions by the board.&nbsp;Even though several reports of Stokes contemplating quitting Test captaincy and international cricket altogether in the aftermath of the late-night incident, also involving Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa, made headlines, his future remains in limbo as England named the final XII for the second Test. &nbsp;Speaking to the media on Monday (Jun 15), McCullum revealed he experienced a range of emotions, from anger to concern, learning about Stokes’ episode in Chelsea.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-nz-2nd-test-oval-england-name-jordan-cox-sonny-baker-in-final-xii-for-second-test-vs-new-zealand-joe-root-to-lead-ben-stokes-gus-atkinson-1781534691830">England name Cox, Baker in final XII for second Test vs New Zealand, Joe Root to lead</a> &nbsp;"When I first found out about it, I was slightly bewildered, if I'm being honest. Then you go through a range of emotions. You go from being bewildered, on to angry, on to kind of gutted," he told reporters on Monday. "But very quickly, my overall emotion turned to worry and concern for Ben in particular. &nbsp;"Since then, it has been about how we support these guys, whilst not overlooking the fact they have not lived up to the standards we have set for ourselves. &nbsp;"For me, it's very much about how we support these guys through the next stage, in particular Ben. That is very much where my mind is at, my worry for him." &nbsp;Meanwhile, McCullum refused to say whether he believes Stokes should remain as captain, after England were also criticised for their off-field behaviour during the tour to New Zealand and Australia. &nbsp;"What will be will be, down the line. Those decisions are not for now. The concern is making sure Ben is fine," he said. "We need to make sure we look after him, rally around him, and in time we'll get on to those sorts of decisions. &nbsp;"For me, I'm just making sure I'm checking in with him. That's where things sit at the moment." &nbsp;Stokes has trained with his English county, Durham, over recent days and could play against Northamptonshire on Friday (Jun 19). But McCullum took a deep breath before answering when quizzed on the wisdom of Stokes returning to action. &nbsp;"I'm worried about Ben. That's it," he said. "I'll leave it at that."&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

England coach Brendon McCullum admits he is deeply "worried" about Ben Stokes' wellbeing as the dropped captain's international future hangs in the balance.

England head coach Brendon McCullum sounded 'worried' about his Test mainstay and former captain, Ben Stokes, who missed out on selection for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. Stokes and seamer Gus Atkinson were involved in a nightclub incident following England’s win in the Lord’s Test, with the ECB launching a probe into the matter. The two breached the midnight curfew, thus facing temporary suspensions by the board. Even though several reports of Stokes contemplating quitting Test captaincy and international cricket altogether in the aftermath of the late-night incident, also involving Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa, made headlines, his future remains in limbo as England named the final XII for the second Test. Speaking to the media on Monday (Jun 15), McCullum revealed he experienced a range of emotions, from anger to concern, learning about Stokes’ episode in Chelsea. Also read | England name Cox, Baker in final XII for second Test vs New Zealand, Joe Root to lead "When I first found out about it, I was slightly bewildered, if I'm being honest. Then you go through a range of emotions. You go from being bewildered, on to angry, on to kind of gutted," he told reporters on Monday. "But very quickly, my overall emotion turned to worry and concern for Ben in particular. "Since then, it has been about how we support these guys, whilst not overlooking the fact they have not lived up to the standards we have set for ourselves. "For me, it's very much about how we support these guys through the next stage, in particular Ben. That is very much where my mind is at, my worry for him." Meanwhile, McCullum refused to say whether he believes Stokes should remain as captain, after England were also criticised for their off-field behaviour during the tour to New Zealand and Australia. "What will be will be, down the line. Those decisions are not for now. The concern is making sure Ben is fine," he said. "We need to make sure we look after him, rally around him, and in time we'll get on to those sorts of decisions. "For me, I'm just making sure I'm checking in with him. That's where things sit at the moment." Stokes has trained with his English county, Durham, over recent days and could play against Northamptonshire on Friday (Jun 19). But McCullum took a deep breath before answering when quizzed on the wisdom of Stokes returning to action. "I'm worried about Ben. That's it," he said. "I'll leave it at that." (With inputs from AFP)

England coach Brendon McCullum admits he is deeply "worried" about Ben Stokes' wellbeing as the dropped captain's international future hangs in the balance.

England coach McCullum ‘concerned’ about Ben Stokes’ wellbeing after nightclub episode

England will hand Test debuts to keeper-batter Jordan Cox and seamer Sonny Baker for the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval in London. Days after the ECB launched a probe into the nightclub episode involving former captain Ben Stokes and quick Gus Atkinson, the hosts dropped them from the squad for the second Test, with veteran Joe Root named an interim captain. Another uncapped keeper, James Rew, could also make his debut in the second Test starting on Wednesday (Jun 17).&nbsp;Pace bowler Ollie Robinson, who returned to Test cricket for the first time in two years during the series opener at Lord’s, has also pulled out due to a knee injury. He picked seven wickets in the first Test, helping beat New Zealand and take a 1-0 lead in this three-match series. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Rew would step in if regular keeper Jamie Smith leaves on paternity leave in the next two days.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ban-vs-aus-3rd-odi-dhaka-australia-cooper-connolly-maiden-hundred-denies-bangladesh-historic-clean-sweep-1781446846462">BAN vs AUS 3rd ODI: Cooper Connolly's maiden ton denies Bangladesh historic clean sweep</a> &nbsp;Cox will enter the fray for his potential debut on the back of scoring a brilliant 204 for Essex in his first County Championship match in 11 months. Cox has been drafted in place of Stokes. &nbsp;On the other hand, Baker bolsters the pace attack alongside Jofra Archer, who missed the first Test due to his Indian Premier League commitments with Rajasthan Royals. Fast bowler Matthew Fisher was also included for his second Test appearance -- his first in more than four years -- as spinner Shoaib Bashir dropped out.<h3>Root takes over Test reign</h3>Root got the nod to take over from Stokes temporarily instead of vice-captain Harry Brook. Brook was involved in an altercation outside a nightclub in Wellington before a one-day international against New Zealand in October. &nbsp;"It became pretty obvious that after talking to both Joe and Harry, that Joe was the right person to do it," England head coach Brendon McCullum said. "He's actually excited, because while he gave it everything he could last time around, he feels he's in a much better place now to be able to do that job. &nbsp;"There's been a few changes. Whilst there's been a bit of chaos and it's been difficult to navigate through the week, I look at that line-up we have this week, and it's super exciting. &nbsp;“I'm quietly confident we're going to see some exciting cricket.”<h3>England Final XII for the second Test -</h3>Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (or James Rew), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been dropped amid an ECB nightclub probe as Joe Root takes over the Test captaincy. Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker set for Test debuts in England's final XII vs New Zealand.

England will hand Test debuts to keeper-batter Jordan Cox and seamer Sonny Baker for the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval in London. Days after the ECB launched a probe into the nightclub episode involving former captain Ben Stokes and quick Gus Atkinson, the hosts dropped them from the squad for the second Test, with veteran Joe Root named an interim captain. Another uncapped keeper, James Rew, could also make his debut in the second Test starting on Wednesday (Jun 17). Pace bowler Ollie Robinson, who returned to Test cricket for the first time in two years during the series opener at Lord’s, has also pulled out due to a knee injury. He picked seven wickets in the first Test, helping beat New Zealand and take a 1-0 lead in this three-match series. Meanwhile, Rew would step in if regular keeper Jamie Smith leaves on paternity leave in the next two days. Also read | BAN vs AUS 3rd ODI: Cooper Connolly's maiden ton denies Bangladesh historic clean sweep Cox will enter the fray for his potential debut on the back of scoring a brilliant 204 for Essex in his first County Championship match in 11 months. Cox has been drafted in place of Stokes. On the other hand, Baker bolsters the pace attack alongside Jofra Archer, who missed the first Test due to his Indian Premier League commitments with Rajasthan Royals. Fast bowler Matthew Fisher was also included for his second Test appearance -- his first in more than four years -- as spinner Shoaib Bashir dropped out. Root takes over Test reign Root got the nod to take over from Stokes temporarily instead of vice-captain Harry Brook. Brook was involved in an altercation outside a nightclub in Wellington before a one-day international against New Zealand in October. "It became pretty obvious that after talking to both Joe and Harry, that Joe was the right person to do it," England head coach Brendon McCullum said. "He's actually excited, because while he gave it everything he could last time around, he feels he's in a much better place now to be able to do that job. "There's been a few changes. Whilst there's been a bit of chaos and it's been difficult to navigate through the week, I look at that line-up we have this week, and it's super exciting. “I'm quietly confident we're going to see some exciting cricket.” England Final XII for the second Test - Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (or James Rew), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker (With inputs from AFP)

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been dropped amid an ECB nightclub probe as Joe Root takes over the Test captaincy. Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker set for Test debuts in England's final XII vs New Zealand.

England name Cox, Baker in final XII for second Test vs New Zealand, Joe Root to lead

New Zealand-England's second and final Test is living up to expectations. After following on, hosts New Zealand rode on Tom Latham's 83, former skipper Kane Williamson's 132 and Tom Blundell's 90 to be dismissed for 483; setting up a decent 258-run target for Ben Stokes &amp; Co. at Basin Reserve, Wellington. Riding on Williamson's masterclass, Tim Southee-led Kiwis are in the contest at stumps on Day 4 (Monday).

Williamson, on the other hand, scripted history&nbsp;during his memorable knock&nbsp;by becoming NZ's highest run-getter in the red-ball format, surpassing Ross Taylor.&nbsp;

Most runs in Tests for New Zealand

7787 - Kane Williamson* 
7683 - Ross Taylor 
7172 - Stephen Fleming 
6453 - Brendon McCullum 
5444 - Martin Crowe 
5334 - Jon Wright 
5038 - Tom Latham

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
New Zealand’s best ever 🌿<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SparkSport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SparkSport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/pzLVWsCgmG">pic.twitter.com/pzLVWsCgmG</a>
— Spark Sport (@sparknzsport) <a href="https://twitter.com/sparknzsport/status/1629968836714971137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-eng-joe-root-cannot-stop-praising-fellow-yorkshire-batter-says-hes-batting-on-a-different-planet-565872">NZ vs ENG: Joe Root cannot stop praising fellow Yorkshire batter, says he's batting on a different planet</a>

After Williamson got to the historic&nbsp;feat, Taylor was quick to congratulate him and wrote on Twitter, "Congratulations Kane for becoming NZ’s highest Test run-scorer. This achievement is a testament to your hard work and dedication to Test Cricket, of (to) which I was privy to for a number of years. Here’s to many more ."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations Kane for becoming NZ’s highest Test run-scorer. This achievement is a testament to your hard work and dedication to Test Cricket, of which I was privy to for a number of years. Here’s to many more 🍷
— Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) <a href="https://twitter.com/RossLTaylor/status/1629974167536926720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Williamson was just 29 away from surpassing Taylor's tally and as soon as he scored his 29th run, the entire crowd at the Basin Reserve gave him a standing ovation. The 32-year-old former captain didn't stop there and went on to slam a memorable ton to bring his side back into the match. Courtesy of his knock, NZ are breathing again&nbsp;and need nine more wickets, in defence of 258, on Day 5 of the final Test on Tuesday (February 28). Meanwhile, England require 210 more (currently being 48/1) for a series whitewash.

New Zealand-England's second and final Test is living up to expectations. After following on, hosts New Zealand rode on Tom Latham's 83, former skipper Kane Williamson's 132 and Tom Blundell's 90 to be dismissed for 483; setting up a decent 258-run target for Ben Stokes & Co.

New Zealand-England's second and final Test is living up to expectations. After following on, hosts New Zealand rode on Tom Latham's 83, former skipper Kane Williamson's 132 and Tom Blundell's 90 to be dismissed for 483; setting up a decent 258-run target for Ben Stokes & Co. at Basin Reserve, Wellington. Riding on Williamson's masterclass, Tim Southee-led Kiwis are in the contest at stumps on Day 4 (Monday). Williamson, on the other hand, scripted history during his memorable knock by becoming NZ's highest run-getter in the red-ball format, surpassing Ross Taylor. Most runs in Tests for New Zealand 7787 - Kane Williamson* 7683 - Ross Taylor 7172 - Stephen Fleming 6453 - Brendon McCullum 5444 - Martin Crowe 5334 - Jon Wright 5038 - Tom Latham New Zealand’s best ever 🌿#SparkSport #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/pzLVWsCgmG — Spark Sport (@sparknzsport) February 26, 2023 × Also Read: NZ vs ENG: Joe Root cannot stop praising fellow Yorkshire batter, says he's batting on a different planet After Williamson got to the historic feat, Taylor was quick to congratulate him and wrote on Twitter, "Congratulations Kane for becoming NZ’s highest Test run-scorer. This achievement is a testament to your hard work and dedication to Test Cricket, of (to) which I was privy to for a number of years. Here’s to many more ." Congratulations Kane for becoming NZ’s highest Test run-scorer. This achievement is a testament to your hard work and dedication to Test Cricket, of which I was privy to for a number of years. Here’s to many more 🍷 — Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) February 26, 2023 × Williamson was just 29 away from surpassing Taylor's tally and as soon as he scored his 29th run, the entire crowd at the Basin Reserve gave him a standing ovation. The 32-year-old former captain didn't stop there and went on to slam a memorable ton to bring his side back into the match. Courtesy of his knock, NZ are breathing again and need nine more wickets, in defence of 258, on Day 5 of the final Test on Tuesday (February 28). Meanwhile, England require 210 more (currently being 48/1) for a series whitewash.

NZ vs ENG, 2nd Test: Kane Williamson scripts history, becomes New Zealand's highest run-getter

New Zealand on Sunday hammered England by eight wickets in the second Test to seal the two-match series 1-0 at the Edgbaston. Taking the field with a target of 38 to win, New Zealand batsmen finished the job quickly to register the memorable win on English soil. <o:p></o:p>

Tom Latham, leading the New Zealand team in place of injured Kane Williamson, smashed the winning boundary to win the match after a drawn Test at Lord’s last week.<o:p></o:p>

This is New Zealand’s third win in 18 Test series in England and first after their historic wins in 1986 and 1999. Whereas, this was England’s first home series defeat since 2014, wherein they lost against Sri Lanka.<o:p></o:p>

New Zealand will gain plenty of confidence heading into the World Test Championship final against India, scheduled to start from June 18 in Southampton.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-shubman-gill-shares-stories-about-his-on-field-visits-with-rohit-sharma-and-mayank-agarwal-391165" hreflang="en">Cricket: Shubman Gill shares stories about his on-field visits with Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal</a><o:p></o:p>

"It's great to get an extra day of rest before India but we'll celebrate as well -- we've not won here since 1999 so it's important to celebrate those achievements," said Latham at the presentation ceremony.<o:p></o:p>

"It hasn't been our best week, has it?" England captain Joe Root told BBC Radio after his side came into this match missing Ollie Robinson, with the Sussex seamer suspended after a promising on-field Test debut at Lord's for historic racist and sexist Twitter posts.<o:p></o:p>

"I think we've massively underperformed. Credit to New Zealand, they have outperformed us throughout the game."<o:p></o:p>

Having wrapped up the England innings early on the day, New Zealand lost two wickets in their chase but the target was too small for the visitors to be bothered about.<o:p></o:p>

Stuart Broad dismissed Black Caps player of the series Devon Conway for three before Olly Stone dismissed Will Young.<o:p></o:p>

However, England reached their target in just 10.5 overs to wrap up the match and series.<o:p></o:p>

Henry was named player of the match following overall figures of 6-114.<o:p></o:p>

"It's pretty easy to get motivated to play for your country," said fast bowler Henry. "We've had a strong squad for a while and every time you get the opportunity you want to do your best."<o:p></o:p>

New Zealand on Sunday hammered England by eight wickets in the second Test to seal the two-match series 1-0 at the Edgbaston. Taking the field with a target of 38 to win, New Zealand batsmen finished the job quickly to register the memorable win on English soil.

New Zealand on Sunday hammered England by eight wickets in the second Test to seal the two-match series 1-0 at the Edgbaston. Taking the field with a target of 38 to win, New Zealand batsmen finished the job quickly to register the memorable win on English soil. Tom Latham, leading the New Zealand team in place of injured Kane Williamson, smashed the winning boundary to win the match after a drawn Test at Lord’s last week. This is New Zealand’s third win in 18 Test series in England and first after their historic wins in 1986 and 1999. Whereas, this was England’s first home series defeat since 2014, wherein they lost against Sri Lanka. New Zealand will gain plenty of confidence heading into the World Test Championship final against India, scheduled to start from June 18 in Southampton. ALSO READ: Cricket: Shubman Gill shares stories about his on-field visits with Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal "It's great to get an extra day of rest before India but we'll celebrate as well -- we've not won here since 1999 so it's important to celebrate those achievements," said Latham at the presentation ceremony. "It hasn't been our best week, has it?" England captain Joe Root told BBC Radio after his side came into this match missing Ollie Robinson, with the Sussex seamer suspended after a promising on-field Test debut at Lord's for historic racist and sexist Twitter posts. "I think we've massively underperformed. Credit to New Zealand, they have outperformed us throughout the game." Having wrapped up the England innings early on the day, New Zealand lost two wickets in their chase but the target was too small for the visitors to be bothered about. Stuart Broad dismissed Black Caps player of the series Devon Conway for three before Olly Stone dismissed Will Young. However, England reached their target in just 10.5 overs to wrap up the match and series. Henry was named player of the match following overall figures of 6-114. "It's pretty easy to get motivated to play for your country," said fast bowler Henry. "We've had a strong squad for a while and every time you get the opportunity you want to do your best."

Cricket: New Zealand seal first away Test series win against England since 1999

New Zealand will take on England in the second and the final Test match of the series at Edgbaston in Birmingham. After drawing the first Test at Lord's, Joe Root and Co. will be looking to seal the deal in the series decider. The hosts' decision to not include a spinner in the previous match backfired as the pitch in Lord's deteriorated and it favoured the spinners, which means, Jack Leach could be included in the playing XI for the Edgbaston Test.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-james-anderson-on-the-verge-of-surpassing-indian-legend-anil-kumble-390495" hreflang="en">Cricket: James Anderson on the verge of surpassing Indian legend Anil Kumble</a>

The BlackCaps, on the other hand, suffered a major blow ahead of the second Test as their skipper Kane Williamson was ruled out due to a niggle in the elbow. Tom Latham has been named the interim skipper. Mitchell Santner will also not feature in the match. New Zealand might also decide to rest their star pacers for the second Test due to the upcoming World Test Championship finals.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's all you need to know about the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand:</h2>

<h2>When and what time will the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand begin?</h2>

The 2nd Test between England and New Zealand will begin at 3:30 PM (IST) on June 10 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

<h2>Which channel will telecast 2nd Test between England and New Zealand?</h2>

The 2nd Test between England and New Zealand will have a live broadcast on Sony Six/HD in India.

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand?</h2>

The 2nd Test between England and New Zealand will have a live streaming on the SonyLIV

<h2>Predicted Playing XI</h2>

<h2>England</h2>

Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (c), Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence, James Bracey (wk), Jack Leach, Olly Stone, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

<h2>New Zealand</h2>

Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin De Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult &nbsp;&nbsp;

New Zealand will take on England in the second and the final Test match of the series at Edgbaston in Birmingham. After drawing the first Test at Lord's, Joe Root and Co.

New Zealand will take on England in the second and the final Test match of the series at Edgbaston in Birmingham. After drawing the first Test at Lord's, Joe Root and Co. will be looking to seal the deal in the series decider. The hosts' decision to not include a spinner in the previous match backfired as the pitch in Lord's deteriorated and it favoured the spinners, which means, Jack Leach could be included in the playing XI for the Edgbaston Test. ALSO READ: Cricket: James Anderson on the verge of surpassing Indian legend Anil Kumble The BlackCaps, on the other hand, suffered a major blow ahead of the second Test as their skipper Kane Williamson was ruled out due to a niggle in the elbow. Tom Latham has been named the interim skipper. Mitchell Santner will also not feature in the match. New Zealand might also decide to rest their star pacers for the second Test due to the upcoming World Test Championship finals. Here's all you need to know about the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand: When and what time will the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand begin? The 2nd Test between England and New Zealand will begin at 3:30 PM (IST) on June 10 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Which channel will telecast 2nd Test between England and New Zealand? The 2nd Test between England and New Zealand will have a live broadcast on Sony Six/HD in India. How to watch the live streaming of the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand? The 2nd Test between England and New Zealand will have a live streaming on the SonyLIV Predicted Playing XI England Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (c), Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence, James Bracey (wk), Jack Leach, Olly Stone, Stuart Broad, James Anderson New Zealand Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin De Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult

Cricket- ENG vs NZ, 2nd Test: When and where to watch England vs New Zealand?

New Zealand wicket-keeper BJ Watling has been ruled out of the second Test against England, at the Edgbaston, starting Thursday, due to a sore back. Tom Blundell has replaced Watling in New Zealand playing XI for the second Test against England and will take up the wicket-keeping duties and bat at number six. <o:p></o:p>

The back injury has troubled Watling in the past. While the sore back has improved in the last 24 hours, the condition hasn’t improved to declare Watling fully fit for the second Test against England. Moreover, New Zealand are also scheduled to play the ICC World Test Championship final against India, starting June 18, and hence decided to take the precautionary step. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, Watling is set to retire from international cricket after the WTC final against India. <o:p></o:p>

Earlier, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was ruled out of the second Test against England due to left elbow injury. It is the same elbow that has troubled Williamson in the past. Will Young was named as Williamson’s replacement in the playing XI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-was-expecting-to-captain-india-in-2007-t20-world-cup-yuvraj-singh-390559" hreflang="en">Cricket- 'Was expecting to captain India in 2007 T20 World Cup': Yuvraj Singh</a><o:p></o:p>

Additionally, it would be interesting to see whether New Zealand rest their key pacers ahead of the much-awaited WTC final against India. <o:p></o:p>

The first Test between New Zealand and England, at Lord’s, ended up in a draw and both the teams would be desperate to get a positive result in the second Test and win the two-Test series before shifting their focus to India.<o:p></o:p>

While the Black Caps play India in the WTC final in Southampton, England are scheduled to play five Test matches against India, starting August 4. <o:p></o:p>

New Zealand wicket-keeper BJ Watling has been ruled out of the second Test against England, at the Edgbaston, starting Thursday, due to a sore back. Tom Blundell has replaced Watling in New Zealand playing XI for the second Test against England and will take up the wicket-keeping duties and bat at number six.

New Zealand wicket-keeper BJ Watling has been ruled out of the second Test against England, at the Edgbaston, starting Thursday, due to a sore back. Tom Blundell has replaced Watling in New Zealand playing XI for the second Test against England and will take up the wicket-keeping duties and bat at number six. The back injury has troubled Watling in the past. While the sore back has improved in the last 24 hours, the condition hasn’t improved to declare Watling fully fit for the second Test against England. Moreover, New Zealand are also scheduled to play the ICC World Test Championship final against India, starting June 18, and hence decided to take the precautionary step. Notably, Watling is set to retire from international cricket after the WTC final against India. Earlier, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was ruled out of the second Test against England due to left elbow injury. It is the same elbow that has troubled Williamson in the past. Will Young was named as Williamson’s replacement in the playing XI. ALSO READ: Cricket- 'Was expecting to captain India in 2007 T20 World Cup': Yuvraj Singh Additionally, it would be interesting to see whether New Zealand rest their key pacers ahead of the much-awaited WTC final against India. The first Test between New Zealand and England, at Lord’s, ended up in a draw and both the teams would be desperate to get a positive result in the second Test and win the two-Test series before shifting their focus to India. While the Black Caps play India in the WTC final in Southampton, England are scheduled to play five Test matches against India, starting August 4.

Cricket: BJ Watling ruled out of 2nd Test vs England, Tom Blundell named in playing XI

England pacer James Anderson on Thursday surpassed former England captain Alastair Cook’s iconic landmark of playing most Test matches for England. As soon as Anderson was named in the playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand at Edgbaston, the veteran pacer became the most capped Test player more England in what comes as another feather in his cap.&nbsp;

Before the second Test, both Anderson and Cook had played 161 Test matches for England, most for any English player in the history of the longest format of the game, however, the veteran pacer surpassed Cook to take the record home.&nbsp;

Since his debut in 2002 against Zimbabwe, Anderson has played 161 Test matches. Anderson is currently the sixth-ranked bowler in the ICC Test bowling rankings.&nbsp;

The veteran England pacer averages a staggering 26.46 in Test cricket. He has also represented England in 194 ODI matches for his country while taking another 269 wickets at an average of 29.22. He also became the first pacer in the world to touch the 600-wicket landmark in Test cricket.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bj-watling-ruled-out-of-2nd-test-vs-england-tom-blundell-named-in-playing-xi-390562" hreflang="en">Cricket: BJ Watling ruled out of 2nd Test vs England, Tom Blundell named in playing XI</a>

<h2>Most Test matches for England:&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li>James Anderson - 162&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Alastair Cook - 161&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Stuart Broad - 147&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Alec Stewart - 133&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ian Bell – 118</li>
</ul>

Meanwhile, England have played the troika of Stuart Broad, Anderson and Mark Wood while Olly Stone replaces Ollie Robinson, who has been suspended from international cricket (pending investigation) over his racist and sexist historical tweets.

Whereas, New Zealand have made six changes into the playing XI with the likes of Will Young, Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel and Trent Boult ready to take the field for the Black Caps.

New Zealand (Playing XI): Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell(w), Daryl Mitchell, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult

England (Playing XI): Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root(c), Ollie Pope, Daniel Lawrence, James Bracey(w), Olly Stone, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

England pacer James Anderson on Thursday surpassed former England captain Alastair Cook’s iconic landmark of playing most Test matches for England. As soon as Anderson was named in the playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand at Edgbaston, the veteran pacer became the most capped Test player more England in what comes as another feather in his cap.

England pacer James Anderson on Thursday surpassed former England captain Alastair Cook’s iconic landmark of playing most Test matches for England. As soon as Anderson was named in the playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand at Edgbaston, the veteran pacer became the most capped Test player more England in what comes as another feather in his cap. Before the second Test, both Anderson and Cook had played 161 Test matches for England, most for any English player in the history of the longest format of the game, however, the veteran pacer surpassed Cook to take the record home. Since his debut in 2002 against Zimbabwe, Anderson has played 161 Test matches. Anderson is currently the sixth-ranked bowler in the ICC Test bowling rankings. The veteran England pacer averages a staggering 26.46 in Test cricket. He has also represented England in 194 ODI matches for his country while taking another 269 wickets at an average of 29.22. He also became the first pacer in the world to touch the 600-wicket landmark in Test cricket. ALSO READ: Cricket: BJ Watling ruled out of 2nd Test vs England, Tom Blundell named in playing XI Most Test matches for England: James Anderson - 162 Alastair Cook - 161 Stuart Broad - 147 Alec Stewart - 133 Ian Bell – 118 Meanwhile, England have played the troika of Stuart Broad, Anderson and Mark Wood while Olly Stone replaces Ollie Robinson, who has been suspended from international cricket (pending investigation) over his racist and sexist historical tweets. Whereas, New Zealand have made six changes into the playing XI with the likes of Will Young, Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel and Trent Boult ready to take the field for the Black Caps. New Zealand (Playing XI): Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell(w), Daryl Mitchell, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult England (Playing XI): Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root(c), Ollie Pope, Daniel Lawrence, James Bracey(w), Olly Stone, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

Cricket: James Anderson surpasses Alastair Cook to become most capped England Test player

eng-vs-nz-2nd-test

Eng Vs Nz 2nd Test, News on Eng Vs Nz 2nd Test, stories on Eng Vs Nz 2nd Test, articles on Eng Vs Nz 2nd Test, Eng Vs Nz 2nd Test stories at Wion, Eng Vs Nz 2nd Test news, Eng Vs Nz 2nd Test latest news

eng vs-nz-2nd-test