ENG vs NZ Test series 2021: Squads, Fixtures, Timings and all you need to know
With an eye on the ICC World Test Championship final, New Zealand will meet hosts England in a two-match Test series, starting from June 2. It’s an excellent chance for the Kiwis to adapt the English conditions ahead of the summit clash against India. They can also try a few combinations and identify their best playing XI. However, New Zealand would also not want to lose the England series, and hence, they must put a substantial effort.
The hosts have a job in hand with many of their key players like Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer missing this series. Hence, they need to make utmost utilization of the resources to challenge Kane Williamson and Co. Moreover, spectators will be allowed in the series, and the Three Lions would not want to disappoint their home crowd.
The two sides have become a sort of arch-rivals since their epic battle in the 2019 World Cup final. While England emerged victorious in that clash, the Kiwis are deemed favourites for this series. Moreover, the Blackcaps registered a 1-0 triumph in their last Test series against England in 2019. Nevertheless, that series took place in New Zealand, while this time, the Three Lions will enjoy the home advantage.
England vs New Zealand Team News
As mentioned above, the England Cricket Board (ECB) has given rest to some of their big guns. The home side was dented further after wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes got ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury. Hence, veterans skipper Joe Root, James Anderson and Stuart Broad will have to step up to take their side over the line.
Top-order batsmen Rory Burns, Zak Crawley and Dominic Sibley have been part of the Test set-up for quite some time, and they’ll have the onus to tackle New Zealand’s new-ball pace attack. At the same time, Olly Stone, Mark Wood and Jack Leach would assist Broad and Anderson in the bowling department. England doesn’t look daunting on paper by any means, and it would be interesting to see how the hosts tackle the Kiwi challenge.
On the other hand, New Zealand have covered all their bases and would be confident ahead of the series. While Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor will be mainstays of the batting line-up, Tom Blundell and Henry Nicholls, who have proven their mettle in red-ball cricket, will be alongside. Wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling will be retiring after the WTC final, and he would like to shine in his last few outings.
Coming to the bowlers, New Zealand arguably have the best pace attack in the world. The quartet of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson has troubled some potent batting line-ups, and England should have a solid game plan to tackle them. In the spin department, Mitchell Santner can come in handy.
England vs New Zealand Test Squads
England squad
Joe Root (C), James Anderson, Sam Billings, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood
New Zealand squad
Kane Williamson (C), 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, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner
England vs New Zealand Schedule
June 2-June 6, 1st Test at the Lord’s cricket ground, London – 3:30 PM IST (10:00 AM GMT)
June 10-June 14, 2nd Test at the Edgbaston, Birmingham – 3:30 PM IST (10:00 AM GMT)
England vs New Zealand Broadcast Details
TV – Sony Six Channels
Online Streaming – Sony LIV app and website
