England face New Zealand in the first of the three-match Test series on Thursday, June 2 at Lord’s in London from 3:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time) 

The Test series against New Zealand will be England’s first Test series since the appointment of new Test captain Ben Stokes and Test coach Brendon McCullum. England have named a strong squad for the three-match series, recalling the pace duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad after their series defeat against West Indies earlier this year. 

On the other hand, New Zealand who won the Test series last year in England have more or less backed the same bunch of players with captain Kane Williamson leading the charge.  

England vs New Zealand 1st Test odds

Bet365 odds: England: 2.40, New Zealand: 3.25, Draw: 3.00

Melbet odds: England: 2.4, New Zealand: 3.24, Draw: 2.99

4RaBet odds: England: 2.34, New Zealand: 3.4, Draw: 2.88  

1xBet odds: England: 2.43, New Zealand: 3.3, Draw: 3.03

Betwinner odds: England: 2.40, New Zealand: 3.24, Draw: 2.98

Note: Odds are subject to change. Please visit betting sites to check and confirm the latest odds.

England vs New Zealand head-to-head in Tests

England and New Zealand have faced each other 107 times in Test matches with England winning 48 of those while New Zealand have won 12. 47 matches between the two sides have ended in a draw. 

However, the New Zealand cricket team has won four of the last five Test matches between the two sides including three consecutive series wins. 

England vs New Zealand 1st Test probable playing XI

England: Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (w), Matthew Potts, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (c), Will Young, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Blundell (w), Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry

England vs New Zealand 1st Test top picks

England: Stuart Broad will undoubtedly be a top pick for this clash. The Englishman has a great record against New Zealand with 72 wickets across 18 Tests including four five-wicket hauls. Broad picked up five wickets in the last Test match between the two sides in 2021.   

New Zealand: Opening batter Devon Conway will have a key role to play if the Kiwis are to repeat their last year’s heroics in England. The southpaw was the leading run-getter in the last Test series against England scoring 306 runs across two Tests at an average of 54. 

England vs New Zealand 1st Test prediction

The England cricket team will start as favourites given their superior record against New Zealand and the advantage of being familiar with home conditions. 

However, a New Zealand victory cannot be ruled out given their recent form against the Englishman over the last five Test matches. 

England vs New Zealand 1st Test playing conditions and weather report

Maximum Temperature: 21°C

Precipitation: 10%

Humidity: 50%

Wind: 16 km/h