New Zealand is touring England for a three-match Test series which will start at Lord’s cricket stadium on 2nd June 2022. The games will have a significant impact on the current standing of these two teams in the World Test Championship points table. Kiwis will be led by Kane Williamson, while England is coming into the series with newly-appointed skipper Ben Stokes. The Tests will also mark the beginning of Brendon McCullum as a coach for England in official cricket games. James Anderson and Stuart Broad return to the side after a long hiatus. Meanwhile, New Zealand has picked Trent Boult and Neil Wagner as their frontline seamers. The matches are expected to be firecracker.
Here are 8 players to watch out for in New Zealand vs England Test series:
1- Joe Root
Joe Root has stepped down from captaincy after being not able to lift his side in the previous few series. He decided it was time for him to make way for someone else as England’s captain. However, now Root, the batter, will be expected to make huge runs in the Test series. He will be hungry to go out there and make an impact with his batting in the upcoming series.
2- Kane Williamson
The Kiwi skipper is going through a rough patch. He had a horrible IPL season where he just could not get going. However, when he returns to command the national side against England, all eyes will be on him to carry the inexperienced batting line-up of New Zealand against the veteran pacers of England.
3- Ben Stokes
The best all-rounder of the modern-day generation, Ben Stokes, has been entrusted with the huge responsibility of captaincy in the red-ball format of the game. He will be tasked to lead his side with example by displaying some great batting and bowling in the series. Stokes recently blasted a hundred in county cricket, and he will be assumed to repeat the same heroics.
Also Read: Top 10 Memorable Moments of New Zealand Cricket Team
4- James Anderson
Anderson was sidelined and rotated when Joe Root was captaining the English team in the longest format of the game. Nevertheless, he will play under a new leader on his return to the national side. It will be the final chance to showcase that he still has the hunger for wickets.
5- Stuart Broad
Anderson’s partner in crime, Stuart Broad, is also selected for the squad. His circumstances are similar to Anderson’s, and he will be under tremendous pressure. However, great players thrive under pressure, and he is one of those who can be a lethal weapon on his day on the field.
6- Devon Conway
Devon Conway has been a sensational find for New Zealand in world cricket. He just keeps on producing great knocks. He is relatively new to the cricketing world, but his skills have made him an indispensable part of Blackcaps. A lot will depend on his opening partnerships in the series.
7- Trent Boult
The left-arm swing bowler can move the ball both ways, and under English weather conditions, he will be a danger to the English batters. Boult is a veteran who will shoulder the responsibility of leading the Kiwi pace attack in New Zealand vs England Test series.
8- Tom Latham
Tom Latham is one of the most dependable batters of New Zealand alongside their skipper, Kane Williamson. In Williamson’s absence, he has led the Blackcaps to a few memorable wins. He will serve as a supportive leader for Kiwis, and his batting will be a talking point in the Test series.
Also Read: Top 10 Memorable Moments in England Cricket by Cricreads