The English summer is here, and though rain is hanging around the capital, the Test season gets underway on Thursday.
Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes’ wounded Three Lions side host New Zealand at Lord’s with a new-look squad and rumours of a fresh mantra, one slightly veering away from ‘BazBall’.
It was the winter Ashes tour in Australia which proved hugely damaging to the team’s reputation, so it may take some time for England – McCullum in particular – to win the fans back.
And the Kiwis are certainly not a Test team to be underestimated, with all-time great Kane Williamson part of a star-studded travelling squad.
It should be an amazing first Test of the summer, and below is our full sports betting preview, in which we have picked out some tips based on NetBet’s latest cricket odds.
England vs New Zealand Preview
Recent results
England’s last Test match was the five-wicket loss to Australia in Sydney at the start of the year, the final humiliating blow in a 4-1 Ashes series defeat which prompted a significant and well-documented inquest.
The Three Lions drew 2-2 with India in their previous home series, having easily beaten both West Indies and Sri Lanka in the summer of 2024.
New Zealand beat Ireland by an innings and 79 runs in a one-off Test at the end of last month, which followed 2-0 series wins over both West Indies (home) and Zimbabwe (away).
Back in October-November 2024, the Kiwis famously beat India 3-0 in India, a scoreline Tom Latham’s side will be looking to emulate this summer.
Head-to-head record
England won 3-0 the last time New Zealand visited the UK, a series which marked the beginning of the ‘BazBall’ era.
The Three Lions also triumphed 2-1 in the previous series in New Zealand thanks to stellar displays in Christchurch and Wellington.
New Zealand did win 1-0 from a two-match series in England back in 2021, though, before going on to win the World Test Championship.
Team news
England 12-man squad: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes (captain), Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Sonny Baker.
New Zealand squad for England tour: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glen Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
England vs New Zealand Odds
*All odds are subject to change
An England victory is priced at 1.80, while a win for New Zealand is at odds of 3.80. The draw is at 4.60, as there is predicted to be some inclement weather throughout the five days.
England vs New Zealand Betting Tips
Top batter – Joe Root @ 6.00
England’s greatest ever batsman will look to start the summer in typically brilliant fashion. Root has previously excelled at Lord’s, averaging around 57 with the blade on the iconic ground. And the Yorkshireman boasts a batting average of 53.47 from 21 Tests vs New Zealand, another phenomenal achievement. So backing him to be the top run getter in the First Test could be a very profitable move.
1st Innings New Zealand top bowler – Matt Henry @ 3.50
With no Trent Boult or Tim Southee, Henry is the senior figure in New Zealand’s pace-bowling lineup. And we are backing him to deliver under pressure, as he has extensive experience operating in English conditions, having first played County Cricket in 2016. Henry has taken 38 wickets in nine Tests vs England at a modest average of 33.15, but the potentially overcast and rainy conditions at Lord’s could really suit his high-quality brand of seam bowling.
When you choose NetBet Sport, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality sports and markets. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, player wellbeing is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information. When the fun stops, stop.
