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England will seek redemption after their series defeat in Pakistan when they face a buoyant New Zealand in three Tests starting in Christchurch on Thursday.
Head coach Brendon McCullum said New Zealand’s wickets would be better suited to England’s aggressive brand of cricket, nicknamed “Bazball”, after his side were crushed in the last two Tests in Pakistan on tracks rotating.
“We were tested at times there in some pretty extreme conditions, but hopefully we can find (New Zealand) a little bit more to our liking,” McCullum said.
But England have not won a Test series in New Zealand since 2008.
“We’re not shy, we’re looking forward to the challenge. We love playing against the best teams and testing ourselves.”
“It’s international sport. You want to see where you are, challenge your game and hopefully come out on top.”
New Zealand are full of confidence after a rare 3-0 Test series sweep in India, ending their hosts’ 12-year unbeaten streak at home.
“I think there are so many expectations for this series, with New Zealand putting in what I think was the most remarkable performance in the history of New Zealand cricket,” said the former New Zealand captain. – Zealander McCullum.
Although England were dominated after winning the first Test in Pakistan and losing the series 2–1, McCullum largely remained loyal to the team.
The only new face is Jacob Bethell, a 21-year-old who was named on Tuesday to make his batting debut at number three after wicketkeeper Jordan Cox was ruled out with a broken thumb.
Regular number three Ollie Pope takes the gloves and goes into bat at six, with captain Ben Stokes at seven.
First-choice wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is on paternity leave.
New Zealand are in fine form after their triumph in India, achieved without their talisman Kane Williamson, who returns from injury to strengthen their ranks.
A series sweep against England and lifting the inaugural Crowe-Thorpe Trophy would also put New Zealand on the verge of reaching the World Test Championship final.
They have the added motivation of giving veteran Pace Bowler and former captain Tim Southee a memorable start.
The long-time New Zealand spearhead made his debut against England in 2008 and is set to retire at the end of the three-match series.
Southee is New Zealand’s second highest Test wicket-taker with 385 dismissals, just behind Richard Hadlee’s 431.
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