New Zealand cricket is currently undergoing a resurgence after a fantastic ODI World Cup which saw the co-hosts emerge as runners-up to the mighty Australia.
New Zealand Confident Ahead Of Lord’s Test
The Blackcaps head into their first Test match on their England tour with a renewed optimism and belief that they can capture a Test series victory on English soil. New Zealand are currently unbeaten in their last six series. Their last defeat was on English soil two years ago but this is a different side in terms of confidence and form from that which visited England then.
They are blessed with huge talent throughout their squad. Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum will provide the backbone to an impressive batting line-up Their bowling attack is very strong and in new ball bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee they have two of the best bowlers in the world at present, certainly rivalling England’s attack.
However, one of the reasons why they are much fancied in England is because their opposition are in a state of turmoil at present and one should expect New Zealand to take advantage of that situation. England have problems throughout their team in terms of selection. They are not sure what is their best side and are heading into the two-Test series with a temporary coach, a new ECB Director and Chairman and without the best player to have graced the English game in a generation, Kevin Pietersen.
Adam Lyth will open the batting in what is a huge series for him and Ian Bell will need to arrest a startling drop in form. England are unsure who their best spinner is and seem to have disciplinary problems with Stuart Broad and no back-up to the impressive Jimmy Anderson in the bowling department. Captain Alastair Cook is not yet out of the doldrums that has plagued his career recently.
England are focusing on being ready for the Ashes against Australia but that is a huge risk because if they take their eye off the ball New Zealand will capitalise and hurt them.
The Blackcaps are not heading into unknown territory as English conditions are not alien to them. New Zealand play in a similar climate and will not be overawed by the opposition or conditions put in front of them. They have a side full of experience and some young talent which will complement each other. Test matches at Lord’s and Headingley, two of England’s most favourable bowling venues, could not have been handpicked any better by the Blackcaps attack, particularly if there is some inclement weather around.
New Zealand will know they are on the verge of a historic Test series victory in England but the hosts will not be a walk-over no matter what their problems may be and Ithe visitors will not be complacent in their preparations either. They will be fully prepared for whatever England put in front of them.
New Zealand are happy to keep their own counsel in the build-up to the Test series and let the media do all the talking, which is admirable. They are also happy to leave England to continue their inner battles alone. The Kiwis will be hopeful that they can take advantage of England’s apparent need to self-destruct as they themselves quietly go about their preparations in anticipation of the first day of the series at Lord’s on Thursday.
That first session at Lord’s could be pivotal to the series and, if England do not start the series well, it could be a guide towards a tough summer for English cricket and a triumphant visit for both southern hemisphere sides.
