England vs New Zealand, 2nd Test: Match Preview, Head to Head, Playing XI and Broadcast Details

After a morale-boosting five-wicket win at the Home of Cricket Lord’s in the first game, a spirited England will be locking horns with New Zealand in the second Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham starting June 10. The hosts would now be eyeing a series win from hereon and should that happen, then it will be the Three Lions’ first-ever Test series win after January 2021. More importantly, it will also be a good start for England’s new red-ball coach Brendon McCullum and the newly-appointed Test skipper Ben Stokes.

The Kiwis, on the other hand, were impressive with the ball, but it was their batting that let them down in the last game. Even though the Kane Williamson-led side did show a lot of intent in their second innings, an awkward batting collapse deprived them of setting a mammoth target for the hosts. Ever since their World Test Championship final win in June last year, the Black Caps have not been able to maintain consistency in the longest format and that is something that they would be eager to change by trying to win the second Test match and keep the series alive.

Pitch Conditions

The Trent Bridge wicket is expected to assist the pacers early on and the batters need to be very cautious while dealing with the new ball. The toss could play a huge role in this contest and neither of the sides would be hoping to have a bat first as they could find themselves at the receiving end on this bowling-friendly surface. Therefore, the captain winning the toss will bowl first and would look forward to exploiting the conditions to his team’s advantage up front.

Playing Combinations for ENG vs NZ

England

England announced that they would be fielding an unchanged side in order to take an unassailable lead in the series. Spinner Jack Leach has come back for the second Test match after being ruled out of the first game due to concussion. However, all eyes will be on Joe Root as he hopes to continue his purple patch in the longest format.

Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

New Zealand

New Zealand, on the other hand, have some concerns heading into this all-important contest. A heel injury has ruled all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme out of the series and Kane Williamson’s elbow injury also remains a cause of concern. However, it has not been confirmed that the Kiwi skipper will be giving this match a miss.

Probable XI: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult

ENG vs NZ Head to Head

Played – 108| England – 49 | New Zealand – 12

ENG vs NZ Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 3:30 PM IST

Live Streaming – Sony Six and Sony LIV app