ENG vs NZ: New Zealand's Predicted Playing XI Against England 3rd Test

New Zealand take on England in the third and final Test match starting on June 23. The visitors have already lost the three-match series after losing the first two Tests. They are playing for pride in the third Test and looking to pull one back.

The Kiwis have now lost 50 Test matches against England in their age-old rivalry. In 109 Test matches between the two sises, the Kiwis have won just 12 test matches overall. They have a win percentage of 11 per cent against England which is probably their worst against the top teams.

The side is grappling with the injury and availability problems of their key players. Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson are already unavailable for the final Test. There are also question marks over Devon Conway‘s availability after he contracted covid. Kane Williamson is fit and will make a comeback into New Zealand‘s playing XI.

ENG vs NZ: New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI Against England 3rd Test

Tom Latham

Latham led the Kiwis in the absence of Kane Williamson in the second Test. He scored 26 and 4 in the two innings of the second Test. The southpaw needs to be back amongst the runs for his side in the third Test.

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Will Young

Young has had a disappointing first two games for the Kwis. He has a chance to make up for it in the third and final Test match at Leeds. He is fresh off a 56 in the second innings of the second Test.

Kane Williamson (C)

Williamson will replace Devon Conway in the playing XI. Conway has not yet recovered fully from covid and is likely to miss the third Test. New Zealand needs a big knock from their skipper if they are to win the third Test.

Henry Nicholls

Nicholls will slot in at number four. He has played a few good hands in the series so far. The southpaw needs to once more for the final test match.

Daryl Mitchell

Mitchell is fresh off a 190 and 62 in the two innings of the second Test. Along with taking responsibility with the bat, he might be required to bowl some overs in the absence of Kyle Jamieson who is ruled out of the third Test. Mitchell is the top-scorer in the series so far with 373 runs from two matches.

Tom Blundell (WK)

Blundell got some runs in the second Test too. He scored a 106in the first Test and 24 in the second and looked the best Kiwi batter alongside Daryl Mitchell. He is the second-highest run-scorer for the Kiwis in the series.

Michael Bracewell

Bracewell made his Test debut at the age of 31 in the last Test. He scored 74 including the two innings and made his mark in the game. He should get another opportunity in the playing XI.

Tim Southee

Tim Southee had a tough game in the Trent Bridge test bagging just one wicket in the match and going for plenty. However, given his experience, he should be retained in the playing XI.

Trent Boult

The left-arm quick should be the second pacer in New Zealand’s playing Xi. So far in the series, Boult is the highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets from two matches.

Matt Henry

Henry should be the third seamer in the playing Xi. He brings his raw pace into the account along with the swing of Southee and Boult. He picked up a couple of wickets in the last game.

Ajaz Patel

The Kiwis did not have any spinner in their playing Xi in the last Test. With Jamieson ruled out, Patel can replace him in the playing XI as the specialist spinner.

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