A new-look England XI take to the field today looking to take unassailable two-nil lead in the three-Test series over New Zealand, to kick-start their summer of Test cricket that ends at Edgbaston Stadium against Pakistan in September.
Limited tickets remain on sale for the Edgbaston Test, which begins on Wednesday 9 September.
Joe Root returns to captain a fresh-faced England side, while New Zealand are without talisman Kane Williamson, who announced his shock retirement from international cricket following the first Test that England won by 115 runs.
For England, three players make their Test debut, including batter Jordan Cox, pace bowler Sonny Baker, and James Rew, who will keep wicket in place of Jamie Smith who misses the second Test after the birth of his second child.
Root, speaking about the opportunity to lead several players on their Test debut, said: “I do think I’ve enjoyed the last couple of days. It’s a very different look to even the team we had last week, but it’s very exciting as well.
“To get to lead those guys out and help operate how we work this week is really good.
“We’ve got an exciting team. A lot of youth, a lot of guys at the start of their journey. That brings a lot of energy into the squad.”
Cox makes his debut after striking a breathtaking 204 off 201 balls for Essex against Leicestershire in the latest round of Rothesay County Championship fixtures, with right arm quick Baker also enjoying a strong campaign, with 22 wickets to his name in Division One.
Destructive batter Rew struck a T20 hundred at Edgbaston for Somerset just last month and he’s been in impressive form in four-day cricket too, scoring 538 runs so far at an average of 44.
The second Test between England and New Zealand takes place at The Kia Oval and gets under way on Wednesday 17 June at 11:00am.
The Final Chapter of the 2026 Test summer takes place at Edgbaston as England host Pakistan for the first time since 2016. Limited tickets are left, with over 90% of seats gone for Day 3. Buy tickets online here.
England v Pakistan Test: Last tickets left for Day Three
It’s more than a Test, it’s the Final Chapter. Pakistan return to Edgbaston for the final Test of the summer – and tickets are selling fast with Day Three now 90% sold.
With the Men’s ODI against India sold out, it’s your last chance to see England Men in Birmingham next summer.