New Zealand vs England – 1st Test Match Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is New Zealand vs England taking place? Thursday, February 16th, 2023 – 01:00 (UK)

Where is New Zealand vs England taking place? Bay Oval, Tauranga

What channel is New Zealand vs England on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport in the UK

Where can I stream New Zealand vs England? BT Sport subscribers in the UK will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport app

LAST MEETING
England beat New Zealand by seven wickets

THE PREDICTION

Confidence couldn’t be higher among the England squad heading into this series with nine wins from their last ten Test matches under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. After sweeping New Zealand in a three-match series at home last summer, they now look to capitalise on the bowling frailties of the Black Caps in their latest showdown, this time in Tauranga. The hosts are without the likes of Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson through injury, whilst Trent Boult has been overlooked following his decision to give up a central contract. On what are usually good batting pitches in New Zealand, England will know that there are big runs to be had here and this represents an excellent opportunity for the likes of openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, not to mention the newest star on the block, Harry Brook off the back of a brilliant debut Test series in Pakistan.

The rain may present a problem for the tourists, but most of it is expected to have cleared up in time to avoid heavy disruption to this Test. Even if overs are lost, the fast rate in which England bat should still see them move the game on quickly across the five days. With that in mind, back Stokes’ side to triumph in this opening Test, but considering utilising the draw no bet market to do so should the weather forecast take a turn for the worst between now and the start of play.