After losing the first Test by an innings and 49 runs, England will take on New Zealand at Christchurch on Friday. After failing to manage a victory in 12 away matches, England are in a must-win situation if they want to avoid another series-loss.

Although the Kiwis haven’t been able to defeat England at Christchurch since 1984, their “well organized and energized” side will surely look forward to sealing the two-match series.

While Liam Livingston, who has played two T20Is for England, is in contention to make it to the playing XI in the second Test against New Zealand, in Christchurch, Jack Leach might make his England debut as well.  Left-armer Leach, who has 185 first-class wickets, is in the frame as all-rounder Moeen Ali continues to struggle for form.

Liam Livingstone could leapfrog James Vince into the side. Craig Overton and Chris Woakes are at risk from Mark Wood, and Ben Stokes, if he is fit enough to play as the fourth seamer.

According to former England captain, Michael Atherton, pacers will play an important role in the upcoming Test. As far as he is concerned, Ben Stokes will not be able to play a full role as an all-rounder. He thinks Mark Wood should be included in the playing XI alongside Leach in order to get a more balanced side.

“If you look at the four Test matches that have been played on this ground, spin hasn't played much of a role yet - seamers have generally done the damage for New Zealand,” Atherton reportedly said.

“The balance of the side is the issue for England. Speaking two days out, I don't think Stokes will be able to play a full role as an all-rounder - but things may improve.

“I think that if he bowls, it's going to be the odd over here and there off not necessarily a full run. So you're thinking of him as a mainline batsman still and therefore how do you balance the side?

“If they want to play Mark Wood and Leach, and I think they should, then I think this is an opportunity to look at Jack Leach because England need a spinner going forward.

“It means they are going to have a long tail - someone like Chris Woakes will have to bat at seven, which is not ideal although he did bat at six on his debut at the Oval.

“But you can't balance it if Stokes is playing only as a batsman; you've either got one batsman too many and one bowler too few or the other way around.”

On the other hand, Ish Sodhi will be included in New Zealand's XI to replace Todd Astle who withdrew from the squad due to a side strain.