England vs New Zealand – 3rd Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is England vs New Zealand taking place? Thursday, June 23rd, 2022 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is England vs New Zealand taking place? Clean Slate Headingley, Leeds
What is the expected weather for England vs New Zealand? 16-27c extremely hot on Day 1, but temperatures should become significantly cooler as the match goes on and whilst sunny intervals are expected across all five Days, there is a possibility of light showers on Days 2-5.
What channel is England vs New Zealand on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports for UK viewers
Where can I stream England vs New Zealand? Sky Sports subscribers in the UK can stream this match live via the Sky Go app
LAST MEETING
England beat New Zealand by five wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
ENGLAND
- Cricket fans are still recovering from an exhilarating second Test which saw England chase down 299 in the fourth innings to beat New Zealand, the highest successful run chase at Trent Bridge largely thanks to a memorable 136 off just 92 balls from Jonny Bairstow, the second fastest English Test century.
- With the series already won due to England’s 2-0 lead, the hosts may look at making a couple of changes with bowler James Anderson potentially being rested, which could see a debut for the newly called-up Jamie Overton and should Matt Potts also be given a rest, then that opens up the possibility of Jamie and brother Craig becoming the first ever pair of twins to play Test cricket for England.
- Ben Stokes suffered an injury during the fourth innings of the second Test but battled on to finish the match, however illness has seen the England captain sidelined from training ahead of Thursday and his participation is in doubt, potentially opening the door for Harry Brook to make a Test debut on his home ground.
NEW ZEALAND
- For the second consecutive Test, New Zealand were on the receiving end of a fourth innings run chase which saw them ultimately lose against England, thus ending their series hopes.
- Preparations have been dogged by Covid-19, which saw Kane Williamson miss the second Test and although the Black Caps will be back for this one, batter Devon Conway and all-rounder Michael Bracewell have both tested positive following the second Test and face a race against time to be ready for Headingley.
- A back injury ended Kyle Jamieson’s participation at Trent Bridge prematurely and the tall fast bowler is not expected to feature in the third Test, with Neil Wagner likely to come into the starting XI.
THE PREDICTION
The fearless brand of cricket which captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum have been at pains to enforce on this England side are firmly reaping their rewards across this series and the hosts’ victory at Trent Bridge has to go down as one of their greatest in recent years, certainly their best at home since that famous Ashes Test at Headingley in 2019. Speaking of Headingley, Leeds is the venue for the final Test of this series which England will be hoping to finish in style against a wounded New Zealand. Injuries and illness have clearly affected the tourists across the series so far with the likes of Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson both going down mid-match, not to mention their recent spate of positive Covid tests. Preparation has been far from ideal and against a rejuvenated England, it has ultimately cost them dearly.
Headingley has been happy hunting ground for England over recent years, who have won four of their last five tests there, including their only red ball victory in 2021 when they defeated India by an innings and 76 runs. The bowlers are usually afforded plenty of joy and should Harry Brook be given the nod to play, four England batters will be playing on their home ground, including the formidable Joe Root. Combine that with an under-performing New Zealand top order, plus a bowling unit who have lacked the potency to take 20 wickets across a Test match and the smart move is backing England to seal a series sweep, provided any light rain showers doesn’t see too many overs lost.
