England and New Zealand are all set to reignite the cricket competition with the three-match Test series starting on November 28 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The series carries huge stakes and the Black Caps will be hoping to get this 3-0 sweep to send them to the final of the ICC World Test Championship at Lord’s next year.
After a comprehensive 3-0 series win over India, the Kiwis are peaking at the right time, although there are concerns about their fitness and availability. Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson return from injuries; 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, along with Ben Stokes, go into this Test looking to bounce back 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 coming in as goalkeeper, with Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith both unavailable.
New Zealand team
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 v England 11th Test – 1st Test, England New Zealand Tour 2024
Openers: Devon Conway, Tom Latham
The Kiwis will rely on the proven opening partnership of Devon Conway and Tom Latham when they face England in the upcoming Test series. Both the left-handers have been in good form, making them a critical factor in the Black Caps’ back-to-back win after a historic series win over India at home.
Conway and Latham scored plenty of runs against New Zealand. Conway scored 597 runs in 7 matches against England at an average of 43.
Latham scored 729 runs against England.
Also read: NZ vs ENG Match Preview – 1st Test, England New Zealand tour 2024
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: 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 replace Will Young in the side as well as take on a leading role.
Rachin Ravindra would carry the freshness and all-round talent with his left-arm spin after a brilliant Test series against India.
Glenn Phillips adds dynamism and provides tactical depth from part-time off-spin after explosive batting. Tom Blundell’s counter-attacking approach, on top of reliability with the goalkeeper, makes him an important cog down low.
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith
New Zealand’s bowling attack is led 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 more than 370 Test wickets and he is a constant threat at home due to his ability to swing the ball both ways and precise control.
Tried and tested performer Matt Henry complements Southee with pace and movement that can rightfully unseat the batting order. His consistency adds depth to the offense.
New talent Will O’Rourke brings a new freshness and spark to the team. Creating bounces off the ball and producing seam movement will equally surprise the England batsmen.
A useful seam bowling all-rounder, Nathan Smith provides balance to his team with his discipline and flair for key achievements. The four combine to create a balanced, powerful attack.
