England seek response against New Zealand after Ashes defeat

LONDON: England will begin their home Test season against New Zealand at Lord's on Thursday with an opportunity to show they have learned from their recent Ashes defeat in Australia.

Brendon McCullum's side were beaten 4-1 in the series that concluded in January, renewing scrutiny of England's highly aggressive approach, commonly associated with the Bazball label. That style has defined McCullum's four years in charge and helped England to a series win over New Zealand in 2022, but it has not produced series victories against Australia or India.

Speaking at Lord's on Tuesday before the start of the three-match series, McCullum said England want to retain their identity while developing greater awareness in key moments of matches.

He told reporters England still wanted to remain true to the team they had been in recent years, but added that the side must improve its decision-making under pressure and adapt more effectively to different match situations.

We want to be a team which is better under pressure, a team which can navigate tactically, can understand where you sit in the game and what's required.

McCullum said that when England are ahead in a match, they need to know how to finish the game, and when they are behind, they must be able to manage the situation more smartly.

Selection changes for Lord's

Despite the Ashes setback, McCullum, managing director Rob Key and captain Ben Stokes have all remained in their positions. England are also looking for a stronger contribution with the bat from Stokes, who scored 184 runs in Australia.

The hosts have refreshed their line-up by leaving out opening batter Zak Crawley and bringing in Emilio Gay for his Test debut. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is also poised to play his first Test in nearly a year after being preferred to leg-spinning all-rounder Rehan Ahmed.

Explaining that decision, McCullum said Bashir could perform a containing role in the opening stages at Lord's before becoming more attacking later if spin plays a greater part in the match.

England also expect Jacob Bethell, one of the side's few positives from the Australia tour, to be available as a batter after recovering from a finger injury sustained during the IPL. Fast bowler Jofra Archer, however, will miss the match because of his franchise commitments.

Williamson expects strong contest

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said he anticipated a tough examination from the hosts in what will be the 150th Test staged at Lord's, the highest number held at any ground in the world.

Williamson said England have extensive experience and several world-class players, adding that New Zealand also combine seasoned cricketers with younger talent.

It's always a great battle against England and I know the team's looking forward to it.

New Zealand could also be strengthened by the return of seamer Matt Henry, who missed last week's innings win over Ireland because of injury.