England and New Zealand are all set to reignite their cricketing rivalry with a three-match Test series, which will begin on November 28 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The series carries huge stakes and the Black Caps will hope to get that 3-0 sweep to send them directly to next year’s ICC World Test Championship final, to be played at Lord’s.
Coming off a comprehensive 3-0 series win over India, Kiwis are peaking at the right time, though there are concerns regarding their fitness and availability. Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson return after injuries, though; Kane Williamson returns to the side, and Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel sit out. Mitchell Santner has a side strain and will be available for the second and third Tests.
England, with Ben Stokes back, comes into this Test seeking redemption after a mixed year with seven wins and as many losses. Jacob Bethell makes his debut, while Ollie Pope adds another string to his bow by stepping in as wicketkeeper, with Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith both unavailable.
New Zealand squad
Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Williamson, Will Young.
New Zealand Playing 11 vs England- 1st Test, England tour of New Zealand 2024
Openers: Devon Conway, Tom Latham
Kiwis will rely on the proven opening partnership of Devon Conway and Tom Latham as they face England in the upcoming Test series. Both left-handers have been in fine form, making them a critical factor in the Black Caps’ pursuit of a series win after a historic series win over India in their own backyard.
Conway and Latham both scored heaps of runs against New Zealand. Conway averages 43 having scored 597 runs against England in 7 matches.
Latham has scored 729 runs against England.
Also read: NZ vs ENG Match Preview- 1st Test, England tour of New Zealand 2024
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell
New Zealand’s middle order has a good mix of experience and versatility, and Williamson will take over the anchor role alongside replacing Will Young in the side.
Rachin Ravindra, after a brilliant test series against India would carry the freshness and multi-talentedness with his left-arm spin.
Glenn Phillips adds dynamism and, after explosive batting, part-time off-spin provides tactical depth. Tom Blundell’s counterattacking approach on top of the reliability with wicketkeeping makes him a vital cog in the lower order.
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith
New Zealand’s bowling attack is headed by the experienced Tim Southee for the Test series and will be supported by others including Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Nathan Smith.
Southee leads the list with over 370 Test wickets, and he is a constant threat in the home conditions due to his ability to swing the ball in both directions and precise control.
Matt Henry, a tried and tested performer, complements Southee with his pace and movement that can justifiably dismantle batting orders. His consistency adds depth to the attack.
Will O’Rourke, a new talent, gives the team a new lot of freshness and spark. Generating bounces and extracting seam movement from the ball will equally surprise England batters.
Handy seam-bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith gives his team balance with his discipline and knack for key breakthroughs. The four combine to form a balanced, potent attack.
