NZ VS ENG: Stuart Broad: England will be playing the first test match of the two-match series on Thursday ( 16th February) at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. The first test match at Bay Oval Stadium is set to be a Day and Night game.
England’s captain Ben Strokes announced the playing XI for the first encounter against the host nation, and the right-arm pacer Stuart Broad got his name on the list. The 36-year-old Broad will be playing his first test match after September 2022.
Strokes confirmed that England’s pacer Broad is set to feature in his 160th test match at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. The tall pacer Broad is on his fifth tour of New Zealand over his 15+ long career.
England star all-rounder and captain Strokes meanwhile opted out of the warmup match before the game. The 31-year-old confirmed that he is ready to lead his side to a successful triumph against Black Caps.
Strokes confirmed his availability for the first test match against New Zealand-
“Everything is good. Bowling-wise, it’s picking the right moment to bowl. I’ve had the last two days off bowling-wise, then will have a trundle tomorrow [Wednesday]. It’s just making sure I get in everything I need to before we start,” said England’s captain Strokes.
The left-hand batter Strokes replaced Joe Root as captain of England’s squad last year, under his leadership the ‘Poms’ has lost only a test match. The Kiwi side was defeated by Brendon McCullum’s players last year by a 3-0 margin on English soil.
Ready to Rock 'n' Roll ?#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/gCjc4QDZHD
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 15, 2023
“That whole series, we were behind the game a lot but we managed to turn each game around completely on its head by the way we went out and did it. We know that we can be dominant but we also know that when we are behind in a game we can turn it around quickly,” added the right-arm pacer Strokes.
The three lions have picked three genuine fast bowlers, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson alongside left-arm spinner Jack Leach for the pink ball test match.
England Playing XI for 1st Test against New Zealand
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Ben Foakes (wicket-keeper), Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Also read: NZ vs ENG: New Zealand Pace Bowler Black Tickner To Make Test Debut Against England