Pope stays as stand-in wicketkeeper for England in second cricket test against New Zealand

By The Associated Press

England's Ollie Pope bats during play on the second day of the first cricket test between England and New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (John Davidson/Photosport via AP)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Davidson]

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — England has opted to keep Ollie Pope as its stand-in wicketkeeper for the second test against New Zealand starting Thursday. Jordan Cox broke his thumb ahead of the series opener in Christchurch last week so Ollie Robinson was called up as wicketkeeping cover and was in contention to make his first international appearance in the second test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve. However England kept faith with the same team that won by eight wickets on the fourth afternoon of the first test at Hagley Oval. That meant Pope retained the gloves and Jacob Bethell stayed at No. 3.