(Cricket news) The England Test team has gone through some significant changes. Joe Root left captaincy while head coach and board president also resigned. A new era has hence begun with Ben Stokes as Test captain and Brendon McCullum as Test coach. Their first Test will be a 3 match home series against World Test Championship holders New Zealand. The 3 Tests will be played at Lord's, Trent Bridge and Headingley.

New Zealand squad:

Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher (wk), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Will Young, Michael Bracewell.

After taking 10 wickets in an innings against India, Ajaz Patel was left out of the home series against Bangladesh and South Africa. He now returns along as does captain Kane Williamson. Matt Henry is a doubt for the first Test as Michael Bracewell is called in for cover. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young miss out while Trent Boult is rested after playing every possible IPL match. 

England squad (first 2 Tests):

Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes (wk), Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts.

The big news is that Broad and Anderson have returned to the squad. It will be interesting to see if both come back straight into the playing XI. Jos Buttler still has no place in the squad while Ollie Robinson is not fully fit. Chris Woakes is out with an ankle injury while Jofra Archer has suffered another relapse. Harry Brook and Matthew Pots are the two fresh faces in the side. It has already been confirmed that Joe Root will go back to his preferred no. 4 spot. The no. 3 position has been an area of concern and Ollie Pope will take up that position. It is going to be a big series for new openers Zak Crawley and Alex Lees who have a lot to prove. 

The last time England hosted New Zealand for a two match series, the hosts got completely outplayed. Changes have been made by the ECB since then. The results might not come quick and fast but the Barmy Army will be hoping that their team shows intent to win the match more than anything. England are just about starting their transition period therefore New Zealand start the series as favorites.

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