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NZ Vs ENG, 1st Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

New Zealand to host England in three game Test series [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X.com]New Zealand to host England in three game Test series [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X.com]

New Zealand and England will face off in the first Test of the 3-game series from November 28-December 2. The high-voltage clash will be played at the Hagley Oval Stadium in Christchurch from 3.30 AM IST.

NZ vs ENG 1st Test: Match Details And Live Streaming

Information
Details
Date & TimeNovember 28, 3.30 AM IST
VenueHagley Oval, Christchurch
Broadcast and Live StreamingAmazon Prime Video app and website

NZ vs ENG 1st Test: Kiwis can book WTC final berth

For New Zealand, a 3-0 sweep against England would guarantee a direct entry into the WTC final scheduled at Lord’s next year. Riding high on a 3-0 series win against India, the Kiwis look formidable despite injury concerns. Kane Williamson returns to boost the side, while Mitchell Santner is unavailable for the first Test due to a side strain. 

Rachin Ravindra, after his standout series against India, brings versatility with the bat and ball. Tim Southee will lead the pace attack with over 370 Test wickets, supported by Matt Henry and young sensation William O’Rourke. This well-rounded lineup positions New Zealand as a formidable opponent, ready to take on England in what promises to be a thrilling Test series opener.

NZ vs ENG 1st Test: England to seek redemption 

England, coming off a disappointing series defeat against Pakistan, will eye redemption. Ben Stokes and co. need the confidence to keep the WTC final qualification hopes alive. As for the squad, Jamie Smith is on paternity leave, whereas Jordan Cox has been ruled out with a thumb injury. Besides, Jacob Bethell is set to make his Test debut after impressive stints in white-ball cricket.

That being said, the key for England will definitely be in-form batter Joe Root, who will also be playing his 150th Test. For the pace attack, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse will lead the charge, with Shoaib Bashir being the lone spinner. Overall, the English side is balanced, and despite injury concerns, Stokes can bank on the positive ‘Bazball’ intent and his players’ promising skill set to outclass New Zealand in their own backyard.

NZ vs ENG 1st Test: Pitch Report

The pitch at Hagley Oval has much grass on the surface with overcast conditions being an added advantage for fast bowlers. While the surface might wear down, spinners won’t play a big role. Overall, the pitch is a seamer’s paradise, and no big totals are expected. Batting first is a good choice for the toss-winning captain.

NZ vs ENG 1st Test: Key Players & Stats

  • England yet to win a Test series in New Zealand since 2008-09
  • Tom Latham: Only batter with 1000+ runs, 2 centuries & 6 fifties at Hagley Oval
  • Joe Root: 1338 runs in 25 innings in 2024; Average: 58.17; SR: 61.01
  • Rachin Ravindra: 855 runs in 18 innings in 2024; Average: 50.29; SR: 60.72
  • Gus Atkinson: 40 wickets in 2024; Average: 21.32; Economy: 3.92
  • New Zealand won 9 of the previous 13 Tests at Hagley Oval

NZ vs ENG 1st Test: Confirmed Playing XIs

New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke

England:  ⁠Zak Crawley,⁠ ⁠Ben Duckett,⁠ ⁠Jacob Bethell,⁠ ⁠Joe Root, ⁠Harry Brook, ⁠Ollie Pope (wk), ⁠Ben Stokes (c), ⁠Chris Woakes, ⁠Gus Atkinson, ⁠Brydon Carse, ⁠Shoaib Bashir

NZ vs ENG 1st Test: Winner Prediction

England is a quality Test side, especially in the ‘Bazball’ era. However, considering the recent form, squad strength and home advantage, New Zealand is expected to win the 1st Test.