England to start home summer against New Zealand in the first Test of a two-match series starting from tomorrow, June 2, at the Lord’s Stadium in London.
England will take field without Test regulars and multi-format players like Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Jos Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow while New Zealand has the perfect opportunity to gain preparation for the WTC Final later this month.
Their aim will be to make the most of these two games to acclimatize to the conditions and get their team combination right.
Meanwhile, the cricketing world will see the new talent of English County season with Ollie Robinson and James Bracey receiving call-ups.
Young Haseeb Hameed, who made his Test debut against India in 2016, has also been called up. Sam Billings could also make his Test debut after replacing the injured Ben Foakes.
Pitch and Weather conditions
Lord’s have not hosted any international game for more than 20 months. The wicket at Lord’s is a balanced one with something in it both for batters and bowlers. The seamers should get some assistance off the wicket throughout the match, while the spinners could have an impact on Days 4 and 5. There is a huge chance of rain damaging the game due to showers forecast on Days 3, 4 and 5.
Predicted XIs
England: Dominic Sibley, Rory Burns, James Bracey(WK), Joe Root(C), Ollie Pope, Daniel Lawrence, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jack Leach, and Olly Stone.
New Zealand: Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson(C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling(WK), Darryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, and Neil Wagner.
