NZ vs ENG 2018: Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes dropped from Christchurch Test

England include Jack Leach and Mark Wood for Christchurch Test.

Joe Root hoping to do well in the second Test against New Zealand | Getty Images

England has made two changes in their 12-man squad for the Christchurch Test, as they have dropped Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes from their squad following their an innings and 49-run defeat in the first Test.

Ali and Woakes,  have been dropped from the side due to their poor form, as they went wicket-less in the first Test, while England has named Jack Leach and Mark Wood as their replacement for the final Test against New Zealand, starting from 30 March in Christchurch.  

Meanwhile, the all-rounder Ben Stokes is unlikely to bowl in the second Test as well, as he continues to struggle with a stiff back and did not bowl at nets on Thursday.

As per BBC, England skipper –Joe Root said, "It has been a struggle for Mo, but he's a very talented lad who has done some great things in the not-too-distant past. He's definitely got the game to turn things round, but it's making sure he keeps believing in all the good stuff he's done in the past and trusting his game. I hope sooner rather than later he will get that right.”

He further said of Moeen and Woakes, “It gives the guys in possession the nudge to know they need to keep improving, keep learning and they’ve got to do it quickly.”

However, England had the most horrible start of the first Test against the Black Caps, as they were bowled out for just 58 in the first innings, but they well bounced back in the game as they posted 320 in their second innings on the board, but their first innings cost them Auckland Test.

Root signed off by saying, “We hope we can put right what was a really bad week. The rain made it look a lot better than it was. We know we were well off the mark. It's about making sure we're far better than we have been so far on this tour. You can see the focus around the group. Hopefully, we can be absolutely ready for what’s going to be a big five days.”

England’s 12-man squad for Christchurch Test:

Joe Root, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince and Mark Wood.

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 29 Mar, 2018

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