After missing out in the previous English summer, Test cricket is all set to return to the ‘Home of Cricket’ as England take on World Test Championship (WTC) finalist New Zealand from 2 June. This is the first Test match of a two-match series as well as the start of the international cricketing season in England.
During the County Championship, English cricket had emerged from its bio-bubble and welcomed its fans at the venues. Now, after the gloom of empty stands in 2020, fans will be there for the Test matches as well. Around 8,000 are expected to be present at the Lord’s on each day of this first Test despite both teams fielding depleted XIs, while Edgbaston is likely to feature about 18,000 a day.
This series was initially not part of ICC’s Future Tour Programme (FTP). It was added later, primarily as a preparatory tournament for the upcoming bigger assignments for both sides. New Zealand will only build up to the inaugural WTC final against India, which starts on 18 June.
England, too, will also try to get into the groove ahead of the upcoming five-Test series against India. They will also like to try out a few young cricketers as part of their Ashes preparations.
Team News
With the exception Sam Billings, England have rested all IPL-returned cricketers. None of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran has been included. Their absence will allow give the youngsters a chance. The only weakness seems to be the absence of a genuine all-rounder.
Gloucestershire wicketkeeper James Bracey is set to make his Test debut after Ben Foakes got ruled out of the series due to a freak injury in the dressing-room. Ollie Robinson may also get his first Test cap on Wednesday.
Things are less complicated for New Zealand. Barring Trent Boult, most of their first-choice cricketers are featuring in this series. Boult is scheduled to travel to the UK towards the end of this week and will only be available for the WTC final.
If New Zealand want four fast bowlers, they may pick Matt Henry for Boult. However, they may also pick the spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner.
On the match eve, Kane Williamson had confirmed that opener Devon Conway would make his Test debut, presumably as Tom Latham’s opening partner ahead of Tom Blundell and Will Young.
Head to head
England hold a substantial advantage here. They have won 48 Test matches and lost 11, while 46 have been drawn.
Likely XIs
England: Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (c), Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence, James Bracey (wk), Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner
Weather and pitch conditions
The met department has predicted pleasant weather for the next two days in London. A sunny day with a little bit of cloud cover will be ideal for a game of cricket. However, there is prediction of rain after that.
Till Tuesday morning, there was a slight greenish tinge to the pitch. However, it is being reported in the local media that the grass has been cut shorter. The local authorities probably want the match to last till the weekend.
Prediction
A close contest, with England having home advantage and New Zealand boasting of a near-full-strength team.