England vs New Zealand, 1st Test: Match Preview, Head to Head, Playing XI and Broadcast Details

England will be hosting New Zealand for a three-match Test series starting June 2, 2022. A new era of cricket in England will begin with Ben Stokes taking the captaincy charge and Brendon McCullum starting his stint with the side as the head coach in the red-ball format. The two will hope to bring the team back into the World Test Championship race.

England have already named the playing XI for the first game and Durham seamer Matthew Potts is set to make his debut. The hosts will also have the services of two of their most experienced bowlers in James Anderson and Stuart Broad as the deadly duo make a return to the side under Stokes’ leadership.

England are already missing players with a number of injuries, but they will be glad to see Anderson and Broad return, as the two veterans provide a feeling of confidence and comfort, especially in home conditions. With only one victory in their previous 17 Tests, England has only one path forward: upwards.

Under the leadership of Stokes and McCullum, the team will be aiming to make a fresh start. Stokes succeeded Joe Root as the skipper following a spate of poor results under the latter’s leadership. Following Chris Silverwood’s sacking after England’s 4-0 Ashes series defeat in Australia, McCullum was named England’s Test coach as he will be training the team against his own national side.

It wasn’t long ago that the two teams played red-ball cricket against each other as England’s summer last year started with the clash against visitors New Zealand,. The Black Caps grabbed the series 1-0 before going on to defeat India to win the World Test Championship. While New Zealand are coming off a two-match Test series tie with South Africa, England are coming after a 1-0 Test series loss to the West Indies, following a disastrous Ashes campaign.

The visitors have not been in great form either as they lost to County Select XI in the second warm-up match, indicating that they are underprepared for the series. The team was knocked out for just 148 in their second innings, losing by seven wickets, with Kane Williamson getting a nine-ball duck after a terrible IPL performance.

Pitch Conditions

The match is likely to be interrupted by rain as the weather forecast detects rain showers on the third, fourth and fifth day. The captain winning the toss would opt to bowl first as both the teams have a great lineup of seamers. Though the Lord’s pitch would support both batters and bowlers, pacers would be benefitted more.

Playing Combinations for ENG vs NZ

England

England have already announced their playing combination. Zak Crawley and Alex Lees will open, with Ollie Pope completing the top order. Former captain Joe Root will be looking to improve his game in the middle-order with the captaincy pressure off his shoulders.

Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonathan Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, James Anderson, Stuart Broad

New Zealand

The reigning World Test Champions would aim to keep up with the title. Tim Southee will benefit from the conditions in England and will form a lethal combo with Neil Wagner. Ajaz Patel has been in good form with the ball, and his spells would be crucial for the visitors.

Predicted Playing XI: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel

ENG vs NZ Head to Head

Played- 107 | England- 48 | New Zealand- 12 | Drawn – 47

ENG vs NZ Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 3:30 PM IST

TV- Sony Six

Live Streaming- SonyLiv