Five talking points as England begin final Test series of 2024
PA looks at some of the main areas of interest ahead of the opening game against New Zealand.
England begin their final Test series of 2024 when they take on New Zealand in Christchurch this week, in what is shaping up to be an intriguing three-match contest.
Here, PA looks at some of the main areas of interest ahead of the opening game.
Will the Bethell gamble backfire?
Pope has a lot on his plate
Blacks Caps are brimming with confidence
England have not won a Test series in New Zealand since 2007/08, losing twice and drawing on their last visit after going down by a single run the decider at Wellington. Arguably their task is even harder than ever against hosts who have just completed one of the most remarkable results in modern Test history. Their 3-0 whitewash win in India defied all precedent and expectation and proved they are a high-class team with quality in all facets. That they did it without record run-scorer Kane Williamson, who is fit to return against England, is another warning sign.
Root…in Lehmann’s terms
With the next Ashes almost exactly a year away, former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann picked his moment to have an early dig at the opposition by claiming Joe Root was “a rung below” a trio of modern greats – Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Williamson. Root now has the perfect opportunity to have his say on the pitch as he becomes just the 11th player in Test history to win 150 caps. He is already the format’s most prolific run-scorer in 2024, posting 1,338 at an average of 58.17, and would relish the chance to make Lehmann eat his words with a sixth century of the year.
