England vs New Zealand 1st Test
A summer of magic gets underway on Thursday when England face the first of three adversaries in the form of New Zealand, before hosting India and finally South Africa in a jam-packed set of tests, T20’s and ODI’s.
The hosts kick off the long season with the first of 3 tests against the Black Caps taking place in London at the ‘home of cricket’, Lords.
Venue : Lords – England vs New Zealand 1st Test
Known as the headquarters and in it’s current position since 1814 with over a 100 test matches to her name. It features Victorian style features and is England’s biggest cricket stadium.
Change of Guard –England vs New Zealand 1st Test
Out with the old and in with the new as they like to say, well sort of. England have a new captain in the form of Ben Stokes, whilst it’s a Kiwi, namely Brendon McCullum, who now holds the reins as England’s recent appointee as head coach.
Background Check – England vs New Zealand 1st Test
New Zealand suffered a defeat in a recent warm up match against a First-Class Counties XI over 4 days. It wasn’t an ideal preparation for sure, but I wouldn’t put much emphasis other than if there were any potential injuries.
The Black Caps were last seen in Christchurch back in March, where they lost the 2nd test but drew the 2-match series against South Africa. They are quick to point out that they are a team in transition and that this tour will be a tough one to compete against an English side itching to regain their former glory. Despite all the smoke and mirrors it’s possible they could be found out but I have a feeling that this touring squad will dig down really deep and as a friend of mine likes to chant “they have the wrong favourite“ .
England are hoping a return to Lords and the prospect of a new beginning, with the various changes mentioned, will help erase the Ashes whitewash of 6 months ago and a poor tour of the West Indies in which the hosts won the 3-test series 1-0 . However, even if Ben Stokes can instil a positive feeling in the camp, there must still be huge worries concerning England’s batting. None of England’s top 3 have shown much form, whilst NZ have no such worry as their strength in batting runs deep into the tail.
Both bowling attacks are threatening, though in England’s case they’ll be praying the veterans Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad don’t pick up any early injuries in a calculated gamble, I suspect.
Looking back at last year’s tour, coincidently starting on the same date and venue , the match was drawn but only after no play was possible on Day 3. Devon Conway scored an industrious 200 before being run out, whilst only Henry Nicholls made any further valuable contribution with 61.
Later on England’s hero was Rory Burns with a hard fought 132 off 297 balls in their first innings.
The match ended in a draw with the possibility of a result never on the cards due the lost day.
More Thoughts –England vs New Zealand 1st Test
I’ve been browsing several weather sites as we have witnessed some rain the last few days. Early indications show that Thursday and Friday should be fine, whereas the weekend could see the possibility of showers.
I would expect the team which wins the toss to bat first, but it wouldn’t be a tragedy should you need to bat second.
I expect a fair amount of movement off a grassy surface which will encourage the “quickies” but should improve as we move into day 2.
Betting Angle – England vs New Zealand 1st Test
I’m forming a two-pronged attack with regard the outcome of the first test.
Firstly, I like the draw. NZ’s batting to dominate whilst England to knuckle down with a sense of optimism and hoping for a little rain to help on the side.
2 Units on the draw at 23/10
1 Unit on NZ draw no bet at 21/20
The other suggestion is to throw a little beer money at the man of the match market. My main fancies are both Kiwis of course, Devon Conway with that bat and Kyle Jamieson with the ball, both available at 10/1.
Enjoy what should be a fascinating series.
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England vs New Zealand 1st Test Preview by Patchy O’Connell
