England vs New Zealand 1st Test Preview & Tips - England to beat New Zealand despite Williamson's run scoring
- The nations will play in a three match Test series
- England have won six of their last eight against New Zealand in the Test match game
- Preview, stats & head to head
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Kane Williamson of New Zealand (Getty Images)
England vs New Zealand 1st Test Preview & Tips
England are aiming to return to Test cricket with a win after losing five of their last six matches in the longest format.
New Zealand are unbeaten across their last seven in the Test match game, with the Black Caps outstanding in the longest format.
- England have won two of their last three in the Test match format against the Black Caps (L1)
- Kane Williamson has an average of 54.58 in Tests
Head To Head
England have won six of their last 10 Tests against New Zealand, with the latter winning three times and one game ending as a draw.
England Form
England are looking to repay fans that have had to suffer through some incredibly poor performances across their last series. Their 4-1 Ashes loss to Australia saw the English completely outdone by their hosts in a series that passed them by.
Of course, it is always worth noting that a tour of Australia is arguably the toughest place to play cricket as the away team. Returning home, England will hope to make the most out of conditions they are brilliant at exploiting.
Ben Stokes continues to captain a side that will look to Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Duckett to lead them with the bat, while Gus Atkinson will likely be the main threat with the ball.
New Zealand arrive in great form, but the English are the favourites. Their ability to make the ball talk on grassy pitches with clouds overhead could prove the difference. While I back Williamson to impress with the bat, I do not see him stopping the home side from going 1-0 up.
New Zealand Form
New Zealand come into their Test series against England on the back of a commanding innings and 79-run win over Ireland.
The difference between the two sides was clear throughout the contest as the Irish were forced to follow on. While few would have backed Ireland to win their clash, this was still a good workout for a Kiwi side that have won their last three heading into this one.
Worrying for New Zealand will be that they have lost six of their last eight against England in the Test format. Kane Williamson continues to impress in the longest format and boasts an average of 54.58 with the bat. I back the veteran run scorer to continue to plunder runs despite seeing the touring side slump to defeat.
Verdict
I am backing England to secure victory in the opening Test against New Zealand despite Williamson scoring well.
Williamson 50+
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