By Michael Norwood
May 15 2013

England take on New Zealand in the opening two test matches of a very summer of cricket, and they will be looking to put behind them, a disapointing drawn series in New Zealand in March.....

With most of the country looking beyond this series, and the back to back Ashes coming up, it would be easy to forget that New Zealand are well led by Brendon McCullum and will present a tough test, as proved in that drawn series.

Add to that, we also have a Champions Trophy in June, and all talk of the Ashes, looks to be off the agenda in the England dressing room.

Skipper Alastair Cook is certainly focused on the short series with the Kiwis, and said "I think every Test series you play for England is a hugely important series, it doesn't matter what has gone before"

"We are fully focused on these two weeks of Test cricket versus New Zealand. We have to be at our best to win." He concluded, as he wrapped up warm for the traditional pre-match photo shoot with McCullum.

As supporters though, we really are only interested in forward looking to the challenges later this summer against the olde enemy, but with injured pair Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan returning to the squad from injury, it will be interesting to see if they can hit form, as both will be vital to keep hold of the little urn.

Swann in particular, is key, and to be honest, Bresnan is less so given the rise of Steven Finn, although the Middlesex paceman still has naggin doubts over his consistancy at the very top level, over a full series.

Throw in Chris Tremlett's return as well. albeit further down the line, to go alongside Graham Onions still carrying the drinks out onto the field in most series, and England should have the fire power to beat the Kiwis in their own back yard and have enough about them later this summer to really trouble the Aussies.

Jonny Bairstow will know that the two test matches will be a great chance for him to cement a place in the England side, having seen Joe Root overtake him in priorty call ups. With Kevin Pietersen out until the Ashes, Bairstow knows this is his golden ticket to put pressure on the ever impressive Root.

For the Kiwi's, they are boosted by Tim Southee passing a fitness test, and it is their bowling attack that is their strong suit, although saying that, Peter Fulton displayed enough in the series earlier this year, to suggest they can still post a half decent score.

If they can do that whilst the ball swings in English conditions, then maybe they can upset England ahead of the busiest summers in living memory.

England (from): Alastair Cook (capt), Nick Compton, Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior (wk), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steve Finn, James Anderson.

New Zealand (from): Peter Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Dean Brownlie, Brendon McCullum (capt), BJ Watling (wk), Tim Southee, Bruce Martin, Doug Bracewell, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.

Thursday 16th May 2013 - Monday 20th May 2013 - 1st Test England v New Zealand - Lord's

England Cricket Sportnetwork will be heading down the second days play on Friday, and will have some images to display on our return.

We are also trialing a 'Live Match Update' section which we are rolling out later in the summer for the Ashes series, you will see the links appear on the site as we try this out.

England v New Zealand - PREVIEW

Discussion started by England Cricket (IP Logged), 15/05/2013 18:51

England Cricket
15/05/2013 18:51

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net