Published on: Jun 3, 2026 3:20 pm IST | Updated on: Jun 3, 2026 12:40 pm IST
The Englishmen will kick off their home summer with a 2-match Test series against New Zealand. The first of the three Tests will be hosted at the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, whereas the second and third Test matches of the series will be played at the Kensington Oval in London and Trent Bridge in Nottinghamshire, respectively. Both teams would be keen to start the series on a positive note, as an early lead in English conditions, where rain is inevitable, is always a driving force. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st Test match, ENG vs NZ, at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
The English team will have a slight upper hand heading into this contest. They will be playing their first Test match of the home summer and would be keen to kick off on a winning note. Yes, they lost their last Test series to Australia in Australia 1-4, but at home they should back themselves to get the better of New Zealand, a team they defeated 2-1 back in 2024 in their last Test series in New Zealand. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to lean in favor of the hosts. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st Test match, ENG vs NZ, at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
ENG: 58% win chance NZ: 42% win chance
The English opener was one of the shining stars in England's dismal Ashes campaign down under. However, he was at the forefront in the only win England secured in that Ashes trip to Australia. The left-hander will be a key figure at the top order.
English veteran Joe Root has been exceptional at home. In his last 10 Test outings, Root has amassed 937 runs at a brilliant average of 55.12. He will be batting at no 4 and will be a crucial cog in the middle order.
The Blackcaps skipper isn't enduring the best of form in recent times across formats. However, we are still backing him to come good in this crucial fixture on a surface that will have something for the batters, especially from the 3rd day.
The left-hander is fresh off a ton against Ireland in the only Test NZ played prior to this series. The stylish left-hander has scored 728 runs in his last 10 Tests at a scintillating average of 56.
Check out our prediction for the IRE vs NZ Only Test match at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.
England open their 2026 home summer with a high‑stakes Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, determined to bounce back from a poor run of form. The hosts have lost four of their last five Tests, with just one win in that stretch, and will be eager to set the tone with victory in the series opener.
The last series between these two sides came in New Zealand in 2024, where England edged the three‑match contest 2‑1. In their last five meetings, England hold a slight advantage with three wins compared to New Zealand’s two.
The spotlight will be on debutant Emilio Gay, who partners Ben Duckett at the top, while stalwarts Joe Root and Ben Stokes provide experience in the middle order. White-ball skipper Harry Brook adds firepower, and the bowling attack features the likes of Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue, supported by promising youngsters.
With a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent, England will look to begin their home season on a winning note and rebuild confidence against a competitive New Zealand outfit.
New Zealand will look to avenge the humiliation they got from England back at home in 2024
New Zealand arrive in England with renewed confidence, determined to avenge the setback they suffered at home in 2024 when England clinched the three‑match series 2‑1. The Blackcaps have enjoyed a strong run of form since then, winning four of their last five Tests, with the only blemish being a hard‑fought draw against the West Indies.
The squad for this tour reflects both stability and fresh energy. Right‑arm pacer Ben Sears has been named as a reserve, offering depth to the pace attack. Glenn Phillips, who missed the historic Ireland Test due to IPL commitments with Gujarat Titans, returns to bolster the middle order. Vice‑captain Mitchell Santner has also recovered from a shoulder injury sustained during the IPL, adding balance with his all‑round skills.
With a 16‑man squad blending experience and versatility, New Zealand will look to carry their winning momentum into English conditions. The challenge at Lord’s will be significant, but the Blackcaps’ recent form and the return of key players give them every reason to believe they can turn the tables on England this time. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 115 NZ won: 14 ENG won: 54 Draw: 47 Tied: 0 RECENT form ENGLAND: L L L W L RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: W D W W W
England and New Zealand have squared off as many as 115 times Test match cricket. The hosts have dominated this head-to-head battle by winning 54 games, whereas New Zealand won only 14. A total of 47 matches ended in a draw.
How will the two teams, i.e., England and New Zealand, fare in the 1st Test? Let’s take a look.
Devon Conway, Tom Latham (C), Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, Blair Tickner/Nathan Smith
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Ben Stokes (C), Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st Test between New Zealand and England at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
At Lord’s, the slope and early seam movement make batting tricky in the first session. Winning the toss often favors bowling first to exploit swing under mild, humid conditions. However, runs on the board remain valuable, with 300+ setting the tone for the match.
The 1st Test match of the New Zealand tour of England will stream live on the SonyLIV App. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on Sony Sports Network Channels- Sony Sports 1/2 HD.
After an unforgettable Ashes series down under, the Englishmen will be looking to bounce back at home in this series, and nothing would be better than a win in the opening game of the English summer. New Zealand will head into this game on the back of a win over Ireland in similar sort of conditions, but their counterparts in this game will be completely opposite to Ireland. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, England, are expected to win the ENG vs NZ Only Test match.
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