England have dropped all-rounder Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes for the second Test against the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in Christchurch, where Jack Leach could make his debut. The tourists suffered a nightmare start to the two-match series, as they were bowled out for just 58 runs in the first innings in Auckland, going on to lose the game by an innings and 49 runs.

After also struggling during the 4-0 Ashes defeat to Australia, Moeen Ali made a duck and then 28 runs in England’s second knock at Eden Park, while failing to take a wicket as the Black Caps posted a match-winning 427-8 declared in their single innings. And the spinning all-rounder, along with paceman Woakes, has paid the price for his poor form, the selectors turning instead to Somerset spinner Leach, who could get his first taste of international cricket, unless England opt for an all-pace attack.

The 26-year-old off-spinner has taken 185 wickets in 54 first-class matches at an average of 25.95. “There’s obviously a couple of choices to make, but that’s exciting that we have players pushing strong cases for themselves,” captain Joe Root said.

England: Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Mark Wood