Two sides with ambitions of being the best in the world in the format meet in this series. England’s new approach has ‘bazboozled’ opponents the world over and set them on an upward trajectory.
New Zealand vs England | First Test | Thursday 16 February – Monday 20 February 2023 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 01:00 GMT
To Win Match
New Zealand 29/20 | Draw 4/1 | England 21/20
Black Caps quicks Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry have been ruled out of the first Test against England.
The uncapped duo of Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggeleijn have been called into the New Zealand squad as their replacements.
A day/night test in unique conditions, this test might prove a real challenge for the groundsman given the weather in the Bay of Plenty area.
With skipper Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Blair Tickner all already in the squad and a soggy pitch possibly in the offing, the call-ups might spend the Test in the dressing room.
England are yet to enjoy an outdoor training session at the Bay Oval thanks to cyclone Gabrielle which also threatens this Test.
They had a two-day warm-up match in Hamilton while some of the tourists have suggested that the pink-ball Test is a gimmick.
In challenging conditions, England’s positive approach will either work very well or fall completely flat.
Ben Stokes leads England for the first time in the country of his birth as he plots a course back up the rankings.
Verdict: England 21/20
England just have the positive edge in these kinds of contests. If the weather holds, the visitors should grab the win.
