England v New Zealand – First Test Preview, Squads and Best Bets

England led by Joe Root host Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in a two-match Test series beginning on Wednesday. The first Test match will be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground, from June 2 to 6.

England

It’s a busy summer for England which begins with a two-match Test series against the number one ranked test side New Zealand at Lord’s. All of England’s IPL players have not been selected. All-rounder Ben Stokes, fast bowler Jofra Archer and keeper Ben Foakes are not available because of injury.

Interestingly, opening batter Haseeb Hameed has been recalled while and limited-overs regular Sam Billings has also received a call up. James Bracey should make his debut behind the stumps with both Jos Buttler and Foakes’ unavailable. 

England are missing regulars like Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes.

England squad

Joe Root (Captain), James Anderson, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Sam Billings, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood.

New Zealand

The Black Caps have not played since January and the series is basically preparation for the World Test Championship final against India later in June. World class left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult will missing from the series and will fly to England later because of family reasons. Underrated keeper BJ Watling is retiring soon and this will be his swansong.

New Zealand have their first-choice players in the squad besides Boult.

New Zealand squad

Kane Williamson (Captain), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Doug Bracewell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryll Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.

Grounds and Pitch

Lord’s will offer help to the bowlers and has done so in recent first-class matches with no team scoring over 300 runs in the first innings. Although the sun should be out and this could level the playing field between bat and ball. However, I expect there to be result and one bowling attack to get 20 wickets in the match.

Best Bets

England’s test record at home is formidable and when taking into account the excellent form the likes of Broad have shown with the ball in county cricket over the past month or so

Anderson is a master in home conditions so don’t be surprised if the veteran puts up more impressive numbers.

The lanky Kiwi has made a superb transition into international cricket. His height and movement off the pitch will make it tough going for the England batters.

The Kiwi captain will need to step up if They are to have any chance of winning this Test.