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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Cameron Ponsonby

England could shuffle bowling attack for New Zealand second Test

England are considering changing their bowling attack for the Second Test against New Zealand.

The tourists had hoped to keep the same team for the second match of the series, with captain Ben Stokes saying after their 267-run victory on Sunday that, "if everyone is feeling fresh as a daisy, I can't see anything changing."

But after Ollie Robinson felt discomfort in his shin while batting on day three and the general well-being of James Anderson and Stuart Broad a priority ahead of an Ashes summer, Stokes is giving himself as much time as possible to assess his seamers.

All of England's bowlers trained today, but if Stokes does make any changes, the alternatives at his disposal are Matt Potts, who had a breakthrough summer last year, averaging 28.00 from five Tests, and Olly Stone, whose high pace could make him an attractive option.

"It's the beauty of the squad we've got," Stokes said. "If someone doesn't feel like they're quite up to performing again after a close turnaround, we'll still be able to pick the best team judging by the people we've got."

One selection not in doubt is the inclusion of Jack Leach, with Stokes saying the left-arm spinner will "definitely" be playing, despite conditions at the Basin Reserve in Wellington lending itself to the possibility of an all-pace attack.

Of the backing he has received from Stokes, Leach said: "It's great. He wants me to experience all different kinds of pitches and scenarios. The only way you can make improvements is by being exposed to situations you're not used to.

"That struggle can make you progress in your game, and it's a game the captain wants to challenge me [in]."

England have won their past six Test matches, with no England side managing seven in a row since 2004, a run that preceded the 2005 Ashes victory.

Of the potential to match the record, Leach said: "That's the team I grew up watching, they're all my heroes, for sure. That Ashes was amazing and really gripped the country. I guess it is special to think about that, but it doesn't take that much of your thinking when you're about to play a Test match."

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