New Zealand vs England first Test LIVE commentary: Start time and team news as Brendon McCullum returns home looking to bounce back from Pakistan defeat
England will look to bounce back from their recent defeat to Pakistan with a three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting tonight live on talkSPORT 2.
After breaking numerous records in their opening Test win over Pakistan last month, the visitors fell to two damaging defeats to lose the series.
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England batters Joe Root and Harry Brook had a field day in MultanCredit: GettyBut with The Ashes looming next year, Ben Stokes and co are in full preparation mode and a series against New Zealand will be as hard as they come.
The Black Caps ended India’s long unbeaten run by thrashing them 3-0 away from home.
Now, they are on home soil and have star player Kane Williamson back.
Of course, England head coach Brendon McCullum is a Kiwi, and he will be hoping for a successful return.
Read more on cricketNew Zealand vs England first Test: Date and how to followThe first Test of this three-match series will get underway on Wednesday, November 27.
It is being held at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Play is due to start at 10pm UK time.
talkSPORT has the exclusive radio commentary rights to this series, and you can hear every ball on talkSPORT 2.
Our commentary team includes former England fast bowler Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar and ex-New Zealand skipper Jeremy Coney.
The easiest way to listen to talkSPORT 2 is by downloading the free talkSPORT app and swiping left for talkSPORT 2.
The commentary will also be streamed over on the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube channel as well.
The whole series will also be streamed on TNT Sports. For more information on how to watch, head here.
New Zealand vs England Test Series
First Test
Wednesday, November 27 (10pm UK time) – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Second Test
Thursday, December 5 (10pm UK time) – Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
Third Test
Friday, December 13 (10pm UK time) – Seddon Park, Hamilton
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New Zealand totally outplayed India in their last seriesCredit: AFPtalkSPORT Cricket debate whether Joe Root can become one of the top 5 batters of all time
England:
Zak CrawleyBen DuckettJacob BethellJoe RootHarry BrookOllie Pope (wk)Ben Stokes (c)Chris WoakesGus AtkinsonBrydon CarseShoaib Bashir.New Zealand:
Tom Latham (c)Devon ConwayKane WilliamsonRachin RavindraDaryl MitchellTom Blundell (wk)Glenn Phillips Nathan SmithTim SoutheeMatt HenryWill O’RourkeToss: England won the toss and elected to field
Officials: Ahsan Raza, Rod Tucker, Adrian Holdstock, David Boon, Kim Cotton
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Bethell is set for his Test debutCredit: GettyNew Zealand vs England first Test: What has been said?Ex-England bowler and talkSPORT commentator Harmison is excited to see Bethell.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I am excited by him.
“I love what I saw of him in the Caribbean. He looks as if he has the temperament.
Read More on talkSPORT”I am not bothered about his numbers. This boy has got talent, throw him in, give him a chance.
“This is going to be a fast-scoring ground, and a few balls in, he could on 10 or 12 and off and running.”
