Since making his debut in the summer of 2022, Potts has taken 31 wickets at an average of 29.22 since playing the first five matches of Ben Stokes’ tenure as captain. The first three matches were against New Zealand, in which Potts performed excellently, taking 14 wickets.
However, with returning Ollie Robinson ruled out for the second Test of the South Africa series that summer, the Durham paceman has found his opportunities limited.
The 26-year-old played just one Test in 2023 (against Ireland at Lord’s), and, after playing the first two Tests against Sri Lanka this summer, was dropped for the third as England opted to see Leicestershire at left-back. Arm seamer Josh Hull. A solitary appearance for the Second Test in Multan on the Pakistan tour came on a surface designed for home spinners, although Potts achieved respectable match figures of 3 for 85 from 31.2 overs.
With England leading 2-0 and the series in Hamilton safe, Stokes has decided to give Potts a chance in the team’s 17th and final Test of 2024. In the absence of Woakes, he is likely to take the new ball.
On the selection of Potts, Stokes said, “It’s another opportunity to see one of those fast bowlers we see playing a big role going forward.” “Two-zero up, you obviously put yourself in an easier position to make changes.
“Potsy’s got a big engine. He can go all day, bowl a lot of overs, but not only that, he’s a very skilful bowler, which has got even better working with Jimmy here. ” [Anderson] On a few things here and there. He is a bowler who is another versatile bowler, you can use him with the new ball, short-ball scheme that we adopt because he is very fit. He can bowl you 20 overs in a day, then do wonders again and bowl you 20 more overs.”
Stokes also praised Woakes’s output on this tour. The 35-year-old has led the attack, taking six wickets at an average of 29.16 with the Kookaburra ball. Kane Williamson has been included twice in this.
The overseas average of 51 coming into the winter has been reduced slightly to 48.93. And although there is uncertainty over whether Woakes will travel to Australia next winter for the 2025-26 Ashes, Stokes believes the Warwickshire veteran has shown his class.
“Chris Woakes came into the winter tours with a bit of scrutiny on his overseas record, but I think what he has done over the winter has proved a lot of people wrong,” Stokes said. “He has been brilliant, he was great in Pakistan and quite influential here.”
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