England vs New Zealand Preview & Prediction | 2nd Test
Ben Stokes will not lead England into this second Test against New Zealand following a nightclub incident following the first Test.
Date/time:
Venue: The Kia Oval, London, England
Weather: Dry with sunny intervals across all five days with temperatures hot in the high twenties.
How to watch: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Willow TV
England vs New Zealand prediction
Huge news has engulfed the camps of both these two teams following England’s first Test victory over New Zealand in a low-scoring thriller at Lord’s. For the hosts both captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been ruled out of the second Test after the pair were involved in an incident at a London nightclub. Joe Root has stepped in to lead an England side with at least four changes from last time out. Both Essex batter Jordan Cox and Hampshire pacer Sonny Baker will make their debuts, whilst Matt Fisher and Jofra Archer will also play.
For New Zealand, there will be a seismic hole in their top order with the news that Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket following the first Test. Former captain and perennial run scorer for the Black Caps, his absence will be sorely felt both from a run-scoring and leadership perspective.
While a good team who pushed England hard in the opening Test, the home side contain an impressive level of depth when considering that a player like Archer can be called upon following his IPL commitments. That makes them worth backing to come out on top again in London, this time at the Oval.
England vs New Zealand tip: England to win
