PLAYING XI
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (w), Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, William ORourke
England: Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (w), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
TOSS
New Zealand opts to field.
PREVIEW
England will have a chance to prove it has learned from its Ashes drubbing when it faces New Zealand in the first Test of its home season at Lord’s on Thursday.
The English were swept aside 4-1 in Australia in a series that ended in January, sparking renewed criticism of Brendon McCullum’s men over their ultra-aggressive “Bazball” style of cricket.
Attacking cricket has been the hallmark of McCullum’s four years as England coach, starting with a thrilling series win over New Zealand in 2022.
But it has failed to deliver series wins against either Australia or India and McCullum accepts England must display greater cricket intelligence if it is to improve.
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WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH
The first Test between England and New Zealand is being televised on the Sony Sports Network. The match can also be live streamed on SonyLIV.
THE SQUADS
England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (w), Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Josh Tongue, Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (w), Dean Foxcroft, Nathan Smith, Zakary Foulkes, Blair Tickner, William ORourke, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry
Published on Jun 04, 2026
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