England vs New Zealand 2021, 1st Test: New Zealand's Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand are on a six-match winning streak in the longest format of the game as they head into a two-Test match series against England. The Kiwis will treat the series as a build-up to the World Test Championship final against India. In this article, we will write about New Zealand’s predicted playing XI in the first Test at Lord’s.

As compared to England, New Zealand have their senior players available and match fit. Coach Gary Stead has the cushion to pick the strongest possible XI from the available unit of players. New Zealand will be confident with their win against West Indies and Pakistan in the World Test Championship earlier. Also, the absence of key players in the opposition camp will be a huge advantage for the visitors.

Also Read: Trent Boult Keen On Finishing IPL 2021 Campaign In The UAE

England vs New Zealand 2021, 1st Test: New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI

Tom Latham

Latham has established himself as one of the key players for New Zealand in all formats. He contributed heavily to New Zealand’s success in the recent past with his scores at the top of the order. He scored 680 runs at an average of 40.00 in 11 games in the WTC. Against England, he will have a tough job of giving his team a good start.

Devon Conway

A T20I specialist, Devon Conway might get to make his Test debut in the first Test at Lord’s. He has played 3 ODIs and 14 T20Is so far for the national side. He also has a 99 to his name in the 20-over format. It will be interesting to see his game plan in the red-ball format.

Kane Williamson

Skipper Kane Williamson slots in at number three in the Kiwi predicted playing XI line-up. He has been batting like a dream in the recent past. The Kiwi skipper racked up 817 runs in just nine matches in the WTC with three centuries to his name. He has scored two double centuries in the championship as well.

Ross Taylor

Taylor and Williamson form the key pair in the middle-order. A veteran of 105 Test matches, Taylor scored 607 runs in 2019. However, his recent run in the longest format has not been good. He has been short of runs. After having a good 2019 with the bat, he scored just 237 runs in 2020 in six games. He would like to get back into the run-scoring charts soon.

Henry Nicholls

Nicholls gives the team the second left-handed option in the top five in the predicted playing XI line-up. He has been a chief contributor for the Kiwis during the championship. He scored 585 runs in 10 matches with three centuries.

BJ Watling

A veteran of 73 Tests, BJ Watling has said that he will retire after the World Test Championship against India. He would like to contribute to the best possible manner in these two Tests and the WTC final.

Colin De Grandhomme

Colin De Grandhomme comes into the team more because of his bowling. He is a handy option with the bat at number seven as well. With overcast weather expected sometime in the game, he will be handy with the ball as well if he can swing it.

Mitchell Santner

Santner will be the specialist spinner in the line-up. His batting prowess also means that he provides depth to the Kiwi batting line-up. With the pitch expected to turn in the final two days of play, Santner becomes key with the ball getting the rough into the picture.

Kyle Jamieson

Jamieson is another all-round option for the team. He has been a breakthrough inclusion for the side ever since he made his international debut. He has picked up 36 wickets from just six matches in the WTC. His exploits in his short career earned him a contract with RCB in IPL 2021, where he played alongside Virat Kohli. He will have a role to play in the Test series.

Tim Southee

The ever-reliable Tim Southee will be the most potent weapon with the ball for the Kiwis. In the absence of Trent Boult, he will lead the pace attack. He has picked 51 wickets in the World Test Championship and looks in good form heading into the Test match.

Neil Wagner

The fiery left-arm pacer picked up 32 wickets in seven games for the Kiwis in the WTC. He would like to make good use of the opportunity in the absence of Bout in the line-up. Coupled with Jamieson and Southee, Wagner forms a formidable trio.

Also Read: IPL 2021: 3 Players Who Can Lead SRH In Place Of Kane Williamson