RCB Star Jacob Bethell To Debut; England Announce Playing XI For 1st Test vs New Zealand

Jacob Bethell will make his debut [Source: @WarwickshireCCC/X]

In a significant development, England have confirmed their playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand. Led by Ben Stokes, the Englishmen will face the home side in a three-match series, with the opening clash taking place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. 

The visitors have announced a robust playing XI, which is a nice blend of experience and youth. As expected, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open the batting for England and pose a serious threat to the Kiwis' bowling lineup, thanks to their scintillating stroke-play. Crawley and Duckett form a lethal opening pair and can stun the Blackcaps with their fireworks at the top-order. 

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Jacob Bethell To Make Test Debut vs New Zealand

England have handed Test debut cap to Jacob Bethell, who will play his first Test in the opening game of the series. In 30 First-Class innings, the southpaw has struck 738 runs at a modest average of 25.44. However, with England promoting their 'Bazball' theory, Bethell is the latest entrant to the elite list of stroke-makers in their Test setup. 

He will bat at number three, with England dropping Ollie Pope down to number six. The Surrey cricketer will also keep the wickets for the Englishmen. Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes will be pivotal from England's batting perspective, while Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir will lead the bowling department. 

England's Playing XI For 1st Test vs New Zealand

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

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