Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBen Stokes remains as England captain despite their Ashes humiliation (Getty)England's cricket team, led by Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, is set to face New Zealand in a new series, aiming to evolve their 'Bazball' approach after a challenging Ashes winter. The series is viewed as a crucial test for England's strategy, with McCullum stating the need for slight evolution while maintaining their playing identity. New additions to the England side include debutant opener Emilio Gay and the return of seamer Ollie Robinson, who is expected to take the new ball. Captain Ben Stokes has backed new players, encouraging Gay to maintain his natural game and highlighting Robinson's world-class ability when fit. New Zealand, having had warm-up matches and with key players like Kane Williamson, are considered a stronger side than in previous visits and will look to challenge England at Lord's. In fullRevolution or evolution for England? Here’s what to expect at Lord’s after Ashes humblingThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

A three-Test series against New Zealand starting later this week will be McCullum’s first Test assignment since the Ashes debacle earlier this year. | Cricket

England will be back in Test action when they face New Zealand on Thursday

England captain Ben Stokes will lead the side, which also includes key players such as Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Duckett. | Cricket

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The i Paper's cricket correspondent Chris Stocks answers your questions ahead of England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand

England will have a chance to prove they have learned from their Ashes drubbing when they face New Zealand in the first Test of their home season at Lord's on Thursday.

England aims to rebound from their Ashes defeat as they face New Zealand at Lord's, marking the start of an exciting Test series on June 2, 2026.

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Having been fortunate to survive the Ashes debacle, Brendon McCullum and his side must find a new way against a familiar foe

England and New Zealand gear up for the 1st Test to be held at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground

Find Latest News, Videos and Pictures about England vs New Zealand Cricket. Explore latest updates, news, information from NewsBytes. All about England vs New Zealand Cricket.

This week England's Test side will return to the field for the first time since their Bazball world came crashing down in the Ashes.

Ben Stokes knows England have reached a point where 'it doesn’t really matter what we say, everything will be based on whether we win or we lose'

The Engand captain's form with the bat has dropped dramatically over the last couple of years and he is set to drop down the order for the Test series against New Zealand

England will try to escape its recent past when it begins its first home test of the year against New Zealand on Thursday night (NZT).

All the ways to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test series live streams, as the three-match red-ball series gets underway at Lord's Cricket Ground.

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New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl in the first test against England at Lord’s.

Over-by-over report: Join our writers for updates as England’s men return to the Test arena for the first time since the Ashes

Brendon McCullum’s men appeared to be suffering from an extended Ashes hangover at Lord’s.