England's unstoppable XI: no shake-ups ahead of high-stakes Wellington test!

Wellington (The Uttam Hindu): England has confirmed an unchanged playing XI for their highly anticipated second Test against New Zealand, set to begin at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on December 6. Having already seized a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after a dominant eight-wicket win at Hagley Oval, the visitors are looking to continue their winning momentum. This means vice-captain Ollie Pope will once again take on wicketkeeping duties for the second Test, while Jacob Bethell retains his number three spot in the batting order. Pope was impressive with the gloves and contributed with a crucial 77 after being promoted to number six in the first Test, while Bethell’s explosive unbeaten fifty off just 37 balls guided England to an easy chase of 104 in 12.4 overs.

Despite the arrival of uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Ollie Robinson after Jordan Cox's injury, the selectors have chosen to maintain the winning combination. "When you don’t notice a keeper, you know he’s done his job well," said seam-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes, praising Pope's solid wicketkeeping and invaluable contribution with the bat. "To step up at short notice and score runs, as well as contribute to key partnerships, just shows his character." Captain Ben Stokes will also be available for the Wellington Test, despite a niggling back injury from the Christchurch match. England is hoping a win in Wellington will secure their first away series victory in two years. England’s unchanged playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (WK), Ben Stokes (C), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.