New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bat first in the decisive third Test against England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Thursday. However, the visitors suffered a significant setback ahead of the winner-take-all contest, with two key players ruled out through injury.The three-game series is pretty much even at 1-1. England won the first Test at Lord’s by 115 runs before New Zealand responded decisively with a crushing 253-run victory at The Oval. With precious ICC Test World Cup points on offer, the encounter at Trent Bridge will determine the winner of the series.
Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips off
New Zealand were forced into major changes after leading paceman Matt Henry and star all-rounder Glenn Phillips were ruled out of the final Test. Henry, who starred in New Zealand’s win at The Oval and recently climbed to the top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings, is sidelined with a calf injury. Phillips, meanwhile, was ruled out with a side strain.
England ring changes for the decider
England also made changes to their line-up after their heavy defeat in the second test, with captain Ben Stokes back in charge of the team after a break at The Oval. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson also returns, while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith returns after missing the previous Test following the birth of his child. Spinner Shoaib Bashir has been recalled to bolster England’s spin options.Despite being declared fit, Ollie Robinson was not included in the playing XI.
Playing XI
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (ie), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Ben Sears, William O’RourkeEngland: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
