England have announced a single change to their team for the third and final Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park, with Durham quick Matthew Potts set to replace Chris Woakes in the playing XI. The decision comes as England, already leading the series 2-0, look to give Potts an opportunity to showcase his skills and cement his place in the side.
Potts, who made his debut in the summer of 2022, has impressed in his nine Test appearances so far, taking 31 wickets at an average of 29.22. The 26-year-old played a crucial role in England’s series against New Zealand that summer, picking up 14 wickets in the first three Tests.
However, Potts has found his opportunities limited since then, playing just one Test in 2023 against Ireland at Lord’s and making a solitary appearance on the Pakistan tour for the second Test in Multan. Despite the challenging conditions in Multan, Potts put in a respectable performance, taking match figures of 3 for 85 in 31.2 overs.
England captain Ben Stokes explained the decision to include Potts, saying, “It’s another opportunity to look at one of the fast bowlers that we see playing a big role going forward. Two-nil up, you obviously put yourself in an easier position to make the change.”
Stokes also praised Potts’ attributes, adding, “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.”
While Woakes misses out on the final Test, Stokes commended his performance on the tour, stating, “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. He’s been fantastic, he was great in Pakistan and pretty influential over here.”
Woakes’ overseas average, which stood at 51 before the winter, has been reduced slightly to 48.93 after taking six wickets at 29.16 with the Kookaburra ball as the leader of the attack. His dismissals include Kane Williamson twice.
As England aim to secure a series whitewash against New Zealand, all eyes will be on Matthew Potts to see if he can make the most of this opportunity and solidify his place in the team’s plans for the future.
