When and Where to Watch England vs New Zealand Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, and Pitch Report for 1st Test

The two-match Test series between England and New Zealand is scheduled to get underway with the opening Test at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 2. The series is neither a part of the Future Tour Programme nor the World Test Championship.

It has been planned to boost the cricketing economy and help England and Wales Cricket Board recover from the severe financial losses. As far as the squads are concerned, England have a fairly inexperienced one. Seven members in the team have played five Tests or fewer.

Moreover, James Bracey, Ollie Robinson, and Sam Billings are yet to make their debut in the purest format. However, Ben Foakes’ untimely hamstring tear means that Bracey will get his maiden Test cap. James Anderson is eight wickets shy of 1,000 wickets in first-class cricket.

In the meantime, Brits skipper Joe Root has sustained a painful blow on his right hand and missed Tuesday’s net session. As far as the Black Caps are concerned, Devon Conway could be handed his maiden Test cap.

Trent Boult is not a part of the series and has been rested for the WTC final against India later this month. Also, in Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, they have two of the best batters of the modern era.

Playing combination for ENG vs NZ

England

Root’s injury could mean that Zak Crawley might get a go. Root was in impressive form during the Three Lions’ tour of Sri Lanka and India earlier this year.

England’s batting is devoid of experience and if Root misses out, then their batting could get under immense pressure. Though the focus will be on Anderson for the four-digit mark, Stuart Broad also holds the key.

He didn’t get much to do in India but is expected to be a handful in England conditions. One between Mark Wood and Olly Stone might get a go at the Home of Cricket in London.

Predicted XI: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Root (C)/Zak Crawley, Daniel Lawrence, James Bracey (wk), Ollie Pope, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Olly Stone/Mark Wood, James Anderson

Bench: Haseeb Hameed, Zak Crawley/Joe Root, Ollie Robinson, Sam Billings, Mark Wood/Olly Stone

New Zealand

In his last two Test series, Williamson scored a couple of double centuries against West Indies and Pakistan. A lot will depend on how the Tauranga-born turns up.

The onus will also be on the 37-year-old Taylor, who’s the most experienced batter for the Black Caps in the lineup. The pace bowling contingent is likely to have Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, and Neil Wagner.

In Boult’s absence, one of Dog Bracewell and Matt Henry might play. It remains to be seen if the Kiwis go with an all-pace attack or play one of Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel.

Predicted XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway/Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Ajaz Patel/Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry/Doug Bracewell

Bench: Colin de Grandhomme, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Dary Mitchell, Matt Henry/Doug Bracewell, Will Young, Tom Blundell/Devon Conway, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel/Mitchell Santner

ENG vs NZ Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 105| England – 48 | New Zealand – 11 | Draw – 46

In England

Played – 54| England – 30 | New Zealand – 5 | Draw – 19

ENG vs NZ Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 03:30 PM IST, 11:00 AM local time

TV– Sony Sports Network

Live Streaming – Sony LIV