New-look England brace for New Zealand series as home season gets underway
Overview:
England vs New Zealand
Lord's, London
2-6 June, 11:00 local
England will aim to blood in some younger players, while New Zealand will have one eye on the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final as the two sides clash in the opening Test of the two-match series at Lord's.
Test regulars Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran have all been rested for the series by England. Other core players, like Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, are currently recovering from respective injuries.
Coach Gary Stead speaking to the media today about the @englandcricket squad for the two Test series starting at the @HomeOfCricket on Wednesday. #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/VWxPrWwz5N
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) May 31, 2021
Ben Foakes, who was set to don the gloves in Buttler's absence and make his debut in home conditions, will also miss the series due to a freak injury. In the absence of so many key players, it'll be interesting to see the combination their skipper Joe Root decides on.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will see the series as the perfect opportunity to tune-up for the inaugural WTC final, against India in Southampton, starting on 18 June.
New Zealand have a settled unit, with the only senior pacer Trent Boult missing for the two-match series. In his absence, Tim Southee will likely share the new ball with all-rounder Kyle Jamieson. The Kane Williamson-led side could also hand Test debuts to opener Devon Conway and batting all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has praised the #WTC21 for adding a new element of intrigue and excitement into Test cricket 🎆 pic.twitter.com/8EcsgxcniJ
— ICC (@ICC) May 19, 2021
Remember the last time:
The two sides last faced off in a Test series in 2019 in New Zealand, where the home side emerged as 1-0 victors.
New Zealand comfortably won the opening Test in Mount Maunganui by an innings and 65 runs, with BJ Watling playing a starring role with a double century. Joe Root scored his maiden Test double ton in the second Test in Hamilton, as the two sides played out a draw.
What they said:
Ollie Robinson (England bowler):"I have done a lot [of research] on New Zealand's top four. I have watched a lot of footage and been trying to work out how I am going to go about getting them out and setting them up."
Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand bowler): "I am certainly focused on this Test coming. It's pretty special to be part of a Lord's Test and be part of the England tour and the final as well."
