Both England and New Zealand are unchanged for the match at the Basin Reserve, which begins at 22:00 GMT on Thursday.
That means another overseas Test for England seamer Chris Woakes. The 35-year-old has a poor record away, where his wickets cost an average of 51.4 runs compared to 21.6 at home.
In the first Test in Christchurch, Woakes made a crucial intervention in New Zealand’s second innings by removing Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell in successive deliveries.
“Someone with his skill level should never doubt themselves wherever they are in the world,” said Stokes. “It’s belief in himself, belief from myself and Brendon McCullum that he’s not just someone who is going to be playing in England.”
An England victory in Wellington would secure their first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008.
New Zealand were poor in the first Test, dropping eight catches. They have not made changes despite wicketkeeper Blundell and seamer Tim Southee, who will retire after the third and final Test, coming under pressure. Once again they have opted against a frontline spinner, relying on all-rounder Glenn Phillips’ off-breaks.
“Going by the games here, the Wellington first-class games, the balance that we’ve gone in with is right for this wicket,” said captain Tom Latham. “We obviously have some spin options in that top seven anyway.”
The last time these two sides met on this ground, in February 2023, produced one of the greatest Tests of all-time.
England were beaten by one run, becoming only the fourth team to be beaten after enforcing the follow-on.
“It was an amazing Test to be a part of,” said Stokes. “I’m one of the very few players who can say they have been involved in a game where one run separated two teams.”
