New Zealand tour to England 2021 [Preview]
New Zealand is scheduled to tour England in the month of June to play two-match Test matches, starting from 2nd June at Lords Cricket Stadium.
The visitors have arrived in the UK to acclimatize to the conditions and make adequate preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against England. Uncapped all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy and batsman Devon Conway have earned their maiden call-ups to the Test squad for the tour of England.
On the other hand, England have picked new players for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand. With all-rounder Ben Stokes and pacer Jofra Archer ruled out of the series due to injuries, the likes of Craig Overton, Ben Foakes and Olly Stone to showcase their talent with bat and ball in this forthcoming two-match series.
Uncapped pacer Ollie Robinson and wicket-keeper batsman James Bracey have earned their call-ups for the Test series against England. The duo has been performing well for their respective county sides over past couple of years.
In the batting department, the onus will be on the likes of Dominic Sibley, Joe Root and Ollie Pope to deliver the bulk of the runs. In the absence of Ben Stokes, the responsibility will on the shoulders of Joe Root to deliver big runs in this two-match Test series.
Zak Crawley has been dubbed as one of promising players for England in the five-day format. The 23-year old will be keen to make an impression with the bat in the two-match series against New Zealand.
Ben Foakes will have another opportunity to make an impact for England behind the stumps. He was exceptional with his glovework during England’s winter tour of the subcontinent.
Daniel Lawrence, Ollie Pope and Rory Burns are the other players, who will be keen to put in decent performances for England in this home series.
In the bowling department, the onus will be on the likes of Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Olly Stone to make crucial breakthroughs. Craig Overton, Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson are other pace bowling options for England for this two-match series.
Jack Leach is the only premier spinner included in England squad for the two-match series against New Zealand.
On the other hand, New Zealand have announced a full-strength Test squad for the tour of England and inaugural World Test Championship final.
Kane Williamson will be hoping that the side can put on a strong show against England in this two-match Test series. Despite not being fully fit, all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has been included in New Zealand Test squad for the two-match series.
In the batting department, the onus will be on Captain Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tom Latham to deliver the bulk of the runs. Besides Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling and Tom Blundell are other prominent players in the batting lineup.
In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the pace quartet of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson to make crucial breakthroughs. Left-arm spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel have been named in the Test squad for the tour to the UK.
The opening game of the Test series will be played at Lords Cricket Stadium in London from 2nd June till 6th June. The second and final game will be played at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham from 10th June till 14th June.
