Perhaps for the first time in the cricket history, England will not be the firm favourites for a Test series at home.
This is primarily because England will play New Zealand with a depleted squad as their two key players – Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes – are not fully fit yet. Archer came back to play County Championship after a hand surgery, but he complained of discomfort again.
Ben Stokes was ruled out of action amid the Indian Premier League 2021, where he broke his finger while fielding for Rajasthan Royals. The star all-rounder will soon complete his recovery period, but it might be too late for England by the time he’s available.
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New Zealand will play a two-match Test series against the Englishmen before taking on India in the World Test Championship final on June 18.
The first NZ-ENG Test will be held at the Lord’s Cricket Stadium on June 2 while the other will commence on June 10 and conclude on June 14. What makes Kane Williamson’s men probable winners against both Test-playing nations is their current form and star-studded squad.
The Black Caps will be brimming with confidence as they are coming to England on the back of consecutive Test series victories.