England captain Ben Stokes has asked his team not to take anything for granted as they look to complete a series sweep against New Zealand at Headingley.
Following victories at Lord’s and Trent Bridge that was an indication to the attacking strategy of the new leadership duo of Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England leads the three-match series 2-0.
Ben Stokes wants England teammates to give their all
The new attacking approach of England was evident in their last test match. Jonny Bairstow completely destroyed the New Zealand bowlers, helping England to chase a total of 299 runs in just 50 overs. Ben Stokes, the captain of England, has stated that they will make the final Test match as entertaining as they can.
“I’ve said to the players this week, let’s try and think like we’re in the entertainment business rather than the sporting business. There’s a reason why 20,000 people came out to watch us at Trent Bridge last week. So I set a challenge to the team to be even more fearless, positive, and aggressive than last week,” Ben Stokes said.
Stokes was absent from practice on Tuesday due to illness, according to a team spokesman. The all-rounder had tested negative for the coronavirus but was being kept away from the team out of caution. With Black Caps captain Kane Williamson ruled out of the second Test, New Zealand has experienced several positive cases in their squad during the tour.
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson is back on the New Zealand team.
“I watched a lot of it, I didn’t have too much else to do. I don’t shout at the TV, I watch and observe. It’s always interesting seeing it from a different perspective, although it wasn’t my preferable place to be. It was interesting to watch and connect from the other side a little bit. England is a strong side playing well so for us it’s about improving as a side, the bigger picture… The focus is on us and wanting to be better,” Kane Williamson said.
