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On Friday, December 13, England captain Ben Stokes announced their playing XI for the third and final Test of the series against New Zealand on the eve of the contest after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. At the Seddon Park in Hamilton, there will be one change in the England lineup for the last Test on tour - Matthew Potts set to replace Chris Woakes - as the team management looks to give some game time to their squad players.
Notably, Chris Woakes, who is 35 years old, is in the twilight of his international career, and with a lot of big Test matches in 2025, including the home series against India and the Ashes series down under, England are trying to have as many quality bowling options in their ranks as possible. Over the years, Chris Woakes has been quite an exceptional bowler in Tests at home with an average of 21.6, compared to his away average of 49.
We're looking forward to giving Pottsy the opportunity to get out there: Ben Stokes
In his chat with BBC Sport, Ben Stokes gave the reason as to why they have left out Chris Woakes for Matthew Potts for the third Test of the series against New Zealand. He was quoted as saying, “We see this as another opportunity to give one of our crop of fast bowlers more game time. We're looking forward to giving Pottsy the opportunity to get out there. He's been training really well. Hopefully he can transfer his training into the game.”
Matthew Potts has taken 31 Test wickets in nine appearances at an average of 29 since making his debut against New Zealand two years ago at home, and that time, he had the number of Kane Williamson, the talisman of the opposition. Ben Stokes remarked that Matthew Potts “has got a massive engine on him, he can go all day and bowl a lot of overs. Not just that, he's a very skilful bowler.”
"At 2-0 up we have put ourselves in an easier position to make that change. We want to be giving experience and opportunities to the guys who don't necessarily always get that opportunity,” Ben Stokes further added.
