New Zealand vs England: 1st Test, Preview- Hosts up against in-form England

After the T20 and ODI series, both England and New Zealand would be giving final touches to their preparations for the upcoming Test series. Both teams have recently been involved in a thrilling ODI series with the visitors turning over the hosts. However, Test cricket is a different ballgame altogether and the series which starts on Thursday is expected to be a closely-fought one as well.

As far as white-ball cricket is concerned, both teams have had contrasting fortunes in their erstwhile series. England was comprehensively thrashed by Australia in the Ashes. On the other hand, the Kiwis annihilated the Windies on their home turf.  Meanwhile, the game is set to enter the pages of history as the Eden Park in Auckland will host the inaugural Day/Test match in New Zealand.

This will also be the Kiwis’ second ever Test under the lights, the first one being against Australia at the Adelaide Oval way back in 2015, which they lost by three wickets. Nevertheless, they would want to string together some impressive performances in the historic game. The turf is generally known to assist swing bowling and with the wind blowing across the ground, batting can turn out to be tricky.

New Zealand (Predicted XI)

Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill/Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

England (Predicted XI)

Alistair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (capt), Dawid Malan, Johny Bairstow (wk), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

Team Combination

New Zealand

The Kiwis batting lineup looks in great shape. Gujarat-born Jeet Raval and left-hander Tom Latham are the likely openers followed by skipper Kane Williamson. Ross Taylor injured his leg in the ODI and subsequently, Martin Guptill has been drafted in as his replacement for the Test series. However, Taylor has been seen practicing hard in the nets and chances of his participation can’t be ruled out just yet.

Henry Nicholls’ and BJ Watling followed by the explosive Colin de Grandhomme is the remaining batsmen. In the bowling department, it won’t spring a surprise if the Kiwis goes for an out-and-out pace attack in seaming conditions. In that scenario, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner will shoulder the fast-bowling mantle supported by de Grandomme’s gentle medium pace.

England

The strength of the English batting lineup lies in their depth as they bat deep. Stuart Broad comes at number ten, which signifies the potential of their batting. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes’ return is also expected to boost them. Joe Root also needs to shed the disappointment of the Ashes and start the series positively. Alistair Cook, Mark Stoneman, and James Vince will also be crucial at the top of the order.

Moeen Ali and Jonathan Bairstow’s contribution will also be pivotal to England’s chances. The bowling department has veterans Stuart Broad and James Anderson as the experienced heads. Chris Woakes didn’t play the last Test against Australia and is expected to return in the opening Test. Ben Stokes will also be pivotal to their bowling. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how Moeen Ali’s off-breaks are utilized.

Head to Head

Overall

Played- 101, England- 48 New Zealand- 9 Draw- 44

In New Zealand

Played- 47, England- 18 New Zealand- 4 Draw- 25

Players to watch out for

Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Kane Williamson has been in decent form with the willow in the limited-overs fixtures. He played some wonderful knocks, however, couldn’t take his team to series victories. England won’t be pushovers by any stretch of the imagination and Williamson will need to be on top of his game in order for the Kiwis to commence the series on a positive note

Ben Stokes (England)

Ben Stokes made his comeback for England in the recently concluded ODI series. However, he will be making his Test comeback after a space of six months. Stokes has dished out some sterling performances over the years for England and Joe Root’s men would be hoping for the hulking cricketer to hit his straps pretty early in the series.

Match Timings

Local Time- 14:00, GMT 01:00, IST 06:30

Broadcast Details

TV- Star Sports

Online: Hotstar

Stat Attack

Stuart Broad (399 Test wickets) needs one more wicket to become the 2nd England player after James Anderson to take 400 Test wickets.

Joe Root has a batting average of 17.6 in Test cricket New Zealand. This is his lowest in any country. He scored 88 runs in five innings during his previous tour in 2013.

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