Stokes' fitness holds key to balancing side in Christchurch as England aim to end dire away run
Monday 2 April 2018 13:29, UK
Jack Leach and Liam Livingstone are in contention to make their England debuts in the second Test against New Zealand, in Christchurch.
Left-armer Leach, who has 185 first-class wickets, is in the frame as all-rounder Moeen Ali continues to struggle for form.
Ali scored only 28 runs in two innings in the first Test, and took no wickets in his 17 overs as, New Zealand piled up 427-8 declared in an innings-and-49-run victory.
England must win the Test to level the series but are without a victory in 12 away matches and still have on-going fitness concerns about Ben Stokes, who played as a batsman only in Auckland.
If Stokes is able to bowl, the tourists could turn to Livingstone rather than Leach to strengthen the batting and offer a part-time spin option.
Former England captain Mike Atherton told Sky Sports that the make-up of the final XI depends on Stokes' fitness - but added that this Test could be an ideal time to blood Leach.
"If you look at the four Test matches that have been played on this ground, spin hasn't played much of a role yet - seamers have generally done the damage for New Zealand," said Atherton.
"The balance of the side is the issue for England. Speaking two days out, I don't think Stokes will be able to play a full role as an all-rounder - but things may improve.
"I think that if he bowls, it's going to be the odd over here and there off not necessarily a full run. So you're thinking of him as a mainline batsman still and therefore how do you balance the side?
"If they want to play Mark Wood and Leach, and I think they should, then I think this is an opportunity to look at Jack Leach because England need a spinner going forward.
"It means they are going to have a long tail - someone like Chris Woakes will have to bat at seven, which is not ideal although he did bat at six on his debut at the Oval.
"But you can't balance it if Stokes is playing only as a batsman; you've either got one batsman too many and one bowler too few or the other way around."
New Zealand have been forced to make one change after leg-spinner Todd Astle withdrew from the squad with a side strain.
Sodhi has been in impressive form since the one-day series between the sides and taken innings hauls of 7-98, 7-30 and 5-32 in two first-class matches.
The change would lengthen New Zealand's tail with Tim Southee expected to move up to number eight.
"It's like for like as far as New Zealand are concerned," said Atherton, "with a leg-spinner replacing a leg-spinner. New Zealand do look very confident.
"Boult and Southee are two top-class bowlers, while Williamson and Taylor are two top-class batsmen; plus there are lots of other good cricketers around.
"More importantly, I think, they look well organised and energised and they are playing with a bit of flair."
Previous New Zealand v England Tests in Christchurch (Lancaster Park)
Matches: 15
New Zealand wins: 1
England wins: 8
Draws: 6
Recent results
2002 - England won by 98 runs
1997 - England won by four wickets
1992 - England won by an innings & four runs
1988 - Match drawn
1984 - New Zealand won by an innings & 132 runs
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