England vs New Zealand, 1st Test: Probable Playing XI
England is all set to host New Zealand for a two-match test series which begins on 2nd June at Lord's.
The England squad won't be able to field its best team in this series since they will be missing quite a few of its star players. However, playing in home conditions on the back of some county games, the batters will feel confident to face the Kiwi bowlers. Joe Root and Ollie Pope will be crucial in the middle order.
The bowling will see both Stuart Broad and James Anderson in the playing XI. There could be a possible addition of Ollie Robinson as the third pacer, who could also bat.
New Zealand's batting is in full strength for this tour especially with the middle order consisting of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. There could be a last-minute decision to either seam bowling all-rounder or spin-bowling.
Kiwis have a set pace attack with Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Kyle Jamieson. There is an unlikely chance of any one of them missing the game.
Although England isn't with the best squad but the home conditions will keep them favorites to win the series. However, this is a good chance for New Zealand to clinch a victory here.
England Playing XI - Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Rory Burns/Haseeb Hameed, Joe Root (c), Daniel Lawrence, Ollie Pope, James Bracey (wk), Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson
New Zealand Playing XI - Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling(wk), Daryl Mitchell/ Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Doug Bracewell/ Matt Henry