England vs New Zealand 1st Test: Match Preview, Prediction, Playing 11 and Streaming

The New Zealand cricket team, led by new captain Tim Southee, will face a high-flying England side in a two-match Test series beginning on Thursday, February 16. The series will begin with a day-night match at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval in New Zealand. The hosts had to deal with two major setbacks prior of the series. Due to a back issue, Pacer Kyle Jamieson was ruled out of the series. To make matters worse, his fellow fast bowler Matt Henry will miss the first pink-ball Test. Henry is set to arrive in New Zealand for the second and final Test.

Meanwhile, England pacer Stuart Broad will make a comeback in the series against New Zealand. Broad was unable to play in the Test series against Pakistan owing to personal obligations.

Here’s all you need to know about the first Test match between New Zealand and England:

Match Details:

New Zealand vs England 1st Test

Date and Time: 16th February 2023, 6:30 AM IST

Venue: Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand Predicted Starting Line-up: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee (c), Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy

England Predicted Starting Line-up: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

Prediction

The hosts, New Zealand, are considered favourites to win this Whites encounter because it is always difficult for any visiting side to outperform the Kiwis at home. However, given to their recent triumphant away record, the visitors cannot be left out of the winning equation.

Much will depend on how the Three Lions’ speed battery capitalises on New Zealand’s swinging conditions, as it will be a significant aspect in their series contention.

Live Streaming Details

The match between England and New Zealand will be televised live on the SonyLIV app and website. Furthermore, Indian audiences can watch the sport live on the Sony Sports network.

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