England cricket team would be keen to start its home season with a win, when the Joe Root-led side takes on Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in the first Test, starting June 2, at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. Meanwhile Kiwis would look to build some confidence ahead of the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final later this month. The visitors will miss the services of its experienced pacer Trent Boult, who has a superb record against England.
Check ENG vs NZ latest news updates here
England vs New Zealand playing 11 prediction
Boult is scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom on Friday and will only be available for the World Test Championship final against India on June 18.
Boult has taken 21 wickets in four Tests in England, including two five-wicket hauls. He has taken 48 wickets in 10 Tests against England, including four five-wicket hauls.
Devon Conway and Colin de Grandhomme have been brilliant during the intra-squad match and are likely to find place in New Zealand's playing 11 for the first Test.
IND vs NZ: All you need to know about WTC final here
On the other hand, England has rested its key multi-format players for the two-match series against New Zealand. This means captain Joe Root and Ollie Pope must step in to hold the England batting line-up. Sam Billings is set to make his Test debut as wicket-keeper batsman Ben Foakes got ruled out of the series due to a freak injury in the dressing room.
It would be interesting to see whether England would go with the experienced opening pair of Dominic Sibley and Rory Burns or test its best strength in build up to the Ashes 2021-22.England tentative playing 11: Zak Crawley/ Dominic Sibley, Haseeb Hameed/ Rory Burns, Sam Billings (WK), Joe Root(C), Ollie Pope, Daniel Lawrence, Ollie Robinson, Craig Overton, James Anderson, Jack Leach, and Olly Stone/ Mark Wood.
Check ICC Test championship latest news here
England vs New Zealand head to head
Overall: 105
England won: 48
New Zealand won: 11
Draw: 46
England vs New Zealand 1st Test weather prediction
The weather prediction for the next two days in London is pleasant, and the conditions are ideal for a game of cricket. However, rainfall is predicted for the last three days of the ENG vs NZ 1st Test.
England vs New Zealand 1st Test match prediction
The first Test between England and New Zealand is expected to end in a draw as three days of the play may be affected by inclement weather.
Check IND vs NZ latest news updates here
Here are the squad of both the teams:
England squad vs New Zealand: Joe Root, James Anderson, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood, Sam Billings, Haseeb Hameed.
New Zealand squad vs England: Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, BJ Watling, Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner.
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor