Jacob Bethell will continue at No. 3 after England announced an unchanged XI for the second Test against New Zealand at Basin Reserve. Victory in Christchurch by eight wickets was rounded out by a maiden half-century from Bethell.

England newcomer Jacob Bethell received a double dose of good news on Wednesday, keeping his place for the second Test against New Zealand and landing a two-year central contract. Bethell made an unplanned Test debut in last week's series-opening win in Christchurch - only coming into consideration after Jordan Cox broke a thumb in practice - and ended the match with an ebullient,

Jacob Bethell drew parallels to Kevin Pietersen and Brian Lara in his maiden Test half-century against New Zealand

England pulled a major surprise by picking Jacob Bethell to bat No 3 on his Test debut in Christchurch this week as they reshuffled their batting order following the injury to wicketkeeper Jordan Cox.

Bethell helped England complete the quickest 100-run-plus chase in Test history, with England’s highest run-scorer and batting great, Joe Root, accompanying him on the other end.