NZ vs ENG: Pitch Report and Team News for the First Test in Christchurch

New Zealand is set to host England in the first Test match of their three-match series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, starting November 28. After their historic 3-0 Test series win in India, the Kiwis are further strengthened with the return of star batter Kane Williamson, who will add firepower to their batting lineup.

England, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 1-2 Test series defeat against Pakistan. The return of Ben Stokes is a big boost, while rising all-rounder Jacob Bethell is set to make his Test debut in Christchurch. Ollie Pope will step in as the wicketkeeper in place of the injured Jamie Smith.

For the hosts, the upcoming series will also mark a farewell to legendary bowler Tim Southee, who is set to retire from red-ball cricket after this series, adding an emotional element to New Zealand’s campaign.

Hagley Oval Pitch Report

Hagley Oval offers a balanced surface for red-ball cricket, with a bit of extra grass that could assist the fast bowlers, particularly in the early stages of the match. With rain in the lead-up to the Test, the conditions are expected to favor the bowlers for the first couple of days. Historically, the average first innings score at Hagley Oval is 204, with teams batting first winning only 4 out of 15 matches, suggesting that chasing might be the more successful approach.

Hagley Oval Test Statistics

• Matches played: 15
• Matches won batting first: 4
• Matches won bowling first: 9
• Average 1st innings score: 204
• Average 2nd innings score: 303
• Average 3rd innings score: 272
• Average 4th innings score: 179
• Highest total: 659/6 by New Zealand vs Pakistan
• Lowest total: 95/10 by South Africa vs New Zealand

NZ vs ENG Playing XIs

New Zealand Probable Playing XI:

• Tom Latham (c)
• Devon Conway
• Kane Williamson
• Rachin Ravindra
• Daryl Mitchell
• Tom Blundell (wk)
• Glenn Phillips
• Nathan Smith
• Matt Henry
• Tim Southee
• Will O’Rourke

England Confirmed Playing XI:

• Zak Crawley
• Ben Duckett
• Jacob Bethell
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook
• Ollie Pope (wk)
• Ben Stokes (c)
• Chris Woakes
• Gus Atkinson
• Brydon Carse
• Shoaib Bashir

With both teams ready to battle it out, the stage is set for an exciting contest at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Fans can expect a thrilling Test match with conditions that will test both the batters and the bowlers.