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Watch Michael Vaughan's press conference ahead of the second Test now on ECBtv
England reacted to their opening defeat against New Zealand by recalling seam bowling pair James Anderson and Stuart Broad for the second Test in Wellington.
Anderson and Broad replace experienced duo Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard who struggled for their best form in the 189-run defeat in Hamilton.
After monitoring the performance of their whole squad at practice over the last two days, England decided to make two changes for the Basin Reserve clash.
“It was a very tough call,” admitted captain Michael Vaughan. “We had a gut feeling that we just needed to make a change and we’ve gone with two of them.
“We felt the attack just needed a bit of a shake-up and it’s a great opportunity for Jimmy and Broady to come in and try and establish themselves at this level.
“I also hope Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison really fight and try and get their places back because that’s going to create a healthy environment as well.”
Harmison, once rated as the world’s fastest bowler, claimed match figures of 1-121 from his 27 overs at Hamilton.
Hoggard was also below his best as New Zealand piled up 470 in their first innings, claiming 1-122 in his 26 overs, but improved in the second innings.
“It’s quite an exciting time,” added Vaughan. “I’m leading a new attack into a Test match.
“It certainly looks very exciting, even if it is a little bit lacking in experience but I think they have enough talent to take them through and put the New Zealand batsmen under a lot of pressure.”
Anderson last played a Test match in the first game of the three-game series against Sri Lanka before Christmas while Broad made his only Test appearance in the second Test.
But Vaughan stressed: “It was a really hard decision, but when you’re in a position like we are you have to make the odd tough decision and it was just a gut feeling that Jimmy deserved his opportunity.
“It’s a very tough call on Hoggy but we’ve gone with that and hopefully it will be the right decision.
“From last week and maybe a little bit from Galle (in the third Test against Sri Lanka) as well that the attack needed a bit of a shake-up. We’ve gone with that and hopefully the young lads with thrive with the opportunity and come out and put on a good display.”
Asked whether England had considered making a change in the batting line-up, Vaughan added: “Not really...a change was talked about but we thought they deserved another opportunity to try and put it right this week.”
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