England’s batting lineup is likely to remain unchanged for their upcoming tour of New Zealand, despite suffering two heavy defeats to Pakistan. Despite being bowled out for 112 in Rawalpindi, captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence in his top six batsmen.
After amassing 823 runs in the first Test, England’s batting faltered in the subsequent matches, scoring only 814 runs for 40 wickets, with 39 of those dismissals coming to spin. Ollie Pope struggled at No. 3, scoring just 55 runs at an average of 11, while Stokes himself managed only 53 runs in four innings.
Despite these setbacks, England are not planning any major changes to their batting lineup. “They’re the best players in England,” Stokes said. “We play all around the world, and New Zealand will be completely different [to Pakistan]. But there’s no doubt in my mind that we have the best top-six players in England.”
McCullum also indicated that Pope will retain his spot at No. 3. “It is not an easy place to bat,” he said. “Popey will be disappointed with his runs, but I expect him to bounce back strongly in New Zealand.”
England will, however, be forced to make a change at No. 7, with Jamie Smith set to miss at least one Test due to paternity leave. Jordan Cox is expected to deputise for Smith and take over the wicketkeeping duties.
Stokes acknowledged that England’s fingerspinners had been outbowled by Pakistan’s on favorable surfaces, but praised their efforts. “The difference was the understanding of how to bowl in these conditions,” he said. “But our spinners have done a fantastic job.”
Stokes also confirmed that he is fully fit after returning from a torn hamstring in the second Test. “I worked very hard to get back in,” he said. “I just didn’t feel like my bowling was going to be anywhere near as threatening as the [other] options we had.”
England’s first Test in New Zealand begins on November 27 in Christchurch. Their white-ball squads will depart the UK on Monday for a series against West Indies.
