New-look England chasing wins at home against New Zealand
It's a new era for England cricket, with Kiwi great Brendon McCullum in charge of his first game as coach and skipper Ben Stokes taking control as captain.
Ironically, both McCullum and Stokes were born in New Zealand so there are plenty of different story lines heading into the first of three Test matches for the series.
Both McCullum and Stokes are well known for their attacking prowess, so expect this England side to play some exciting cricket as they attempt to work their way back into contention for the ICC World Test Championship.
England only managed one Test victory over the last 12 months under old skipper Joe Root and will hand recalls to experienced duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad to try and add to that tally as quickly as possible.
Stokes has also confirmed he will bat at No.6, with Root to return to his preferred position at No.4, a move that will also hopefully bolster the middle-order.
Their quest for victory will not be easy though, despite New Zealand's own struggles during the current World Test Championship period that sees them sit in sixth place on the standings.
Kane Williamson's side could only manage drawn home series against Bangladesh and South Africa, meaning they also need to chase victories during this series.
They will have happy recent memories of playing in the UK, having won the inaugural World Test Championship against India in Southampton last year and certainly won't be overawed by playing against England away from home with many experienced players in their line-up.
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It was an old-fashioned England collapse late on the third day that handed New Zealand the ascendancy in the pivotal second Test in Birmingham. England were all out for just 122 in their second innings with pace duo Matt Henry and Neil Wagner picking up three wickets apiece in the demolition. It left the Kiwis chasing a paltry 38 for victory on the fourth day and they reached that target within 11 overs and for the loss of just two wickets as England fell to a 1-0 series defeat.
England seamer Stuart Broad: "We have only been together as a squad since Monday morning. Brendon and Stokesy have led one training session and we go again this afternoon. There is an exciting feel to the group. We went to St George's Park last week for a couple of days and the team meal that night there was a lot of energy and a lot of focus to get going for an international summer."
New Zealand coach Gary Stead:"It's a 50 per cent chance for both teams of winning the game when you start. It's just winning small moments and then the result will look after itself."
ICC Review guest Shane Watson:"It's going to be a fascinating series. I am hoping for England's sake that they can turn things around as they have definitely got the capability and the world class players, they just need to bring it all together. But New Zealand are always a team that just gets it done."
Kiwi quick Trent Boult is not expected to play in the first Test, with Henry Nicholls (calf) in a race against time to prove his fitness. Michael Bracewell is on standby.
England have named a 13-man squad for the first two Tests, leaving Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Haseeb Hameed and Dawid Malan. Alex Lees has been recalled, while Harry Brook and Matthew Potts could make their Test debuts.
**Likely England XI:**Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Ben Foakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson.
**Likely New Zealand XI:**Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry
