Cricket Match Prediction | New Zealand vs England | 1st Test | Nov 28 – Who will win the first straw NZ or ENG?

NZ vs ENG Match Analysis

At 04:00 am BST on November 28, 2024, Hagley Oval, Christchurch, will host the first Test of a three-match Test series between New Zealand and England. New Zealand, who claimed the inaugural WTC title in 2021, could climb above Australia into second place in the standings with a victory in this Test.

England is no longer in contention for the World Test Championship Final, marking the third consecutive edition of the tournament in which they have failed to reach the showpiece event.

NZ vs ENG Team Preview & Squads

New Zealand 

New Zealand cricket is riding a wave of confidence, following the men’s 3-0 series win in India just weeks after their women’s team clinched the T20 World Cup. Facing England at home, where the aggressive ‘Bazball’ style always carries a risk of defeat, New Zealand could potentially secure another 3-0 whitewash before the year ends.

With a lineup brimming with batting talent, the opposition bowlers will face a tough challenge to dismiss them. Rising star Rachin Ravindra continues to impress, while the experienced Kane Williamson remains a reliable performer.

On the bowling front, Matt Henry is expected to be their most formidable weapon. 

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Tim Southee.

England

England will hand a debut to Jacob Bethell in the number three position, despite him having never batted there before and holding a modest first-class average of 25.44 from 30 innings for Warwickshire. This follows his recent international debut in ODI and T20I cricket over the past month.

If Bethell’s inclusion doesn’t appear to be the most daunting choice by the visitors, Ollie Pope’s role will also attract attention. After a disappointing tour of Pakistan in October, Pope takes on the added responsibility of wicketkeeping and moves down to number six in the batting order.

Shoaib Bashir will serve as the side’s sole specialist spinner, while captain Ben Stokes, returning to his country of birth, will take on the all-rounder role for this match.

England Squads

England

Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jordan Cox, Ben Stokes, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Rehan Ahmed, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jack Leach, Matthew Potts, Shoaib Bashir, and Olly Stone.

New Zealand vs England outfield report

Hagley Oval, Christchurch

We anticipate seeing a green seamer in Christchurch, but it won’t be any greener than during the Test’s first session. As a result, we believe that in this game, both captains will want to bowl first. The temperature is predicted to dip from 26 degrees on day one to just 15 degrees on day two, before returning to the low 20s on Sunday and Monday, even if there won’t be any rain over the Test’s five days.

Bowling with seam and swing bowlers is probably going to be enjoyable here. Whoever bats first will be happy to hit 300, and we don’t expect much spin or reverse swing to be a weapon.

NZ vs ENG Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

England won four in their last five meetings, and New Zealand won one.

New Zealand vs England Prediction

Cricket analysts predict New Zealand has a 55% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.