First T20I preview: England v New Zealand - prediction, stars to watch and suggested bets
- Jonhenry Wilson
- 30 August 2023
England and New Zealand will meet for the first of four T20Is. Let's see what's in store for Jos Buttler and Tim Southee's teams.
Who, when, where
England v New Zealand, Wednesday 30 August 2023, Chester-le-Street
Talking points
England are arguably light on seam resources, after the withdrawals of Josh Tongue and John Turner. The belated inclusions of Brydon Carse and Chris Jordan will help. And England are set to unleash the outright pace of Gus Atkinson on international cricket.
Batting-wise, it'll be interesting to see if opener Ben Duckett can carry his success in Test cricket into the shortest format of the game. Buttler has reiterated England's ambition to be aggressive, but they will be well pressed against a promising New Zealand bowling department.
The Black Caps were impressive in a warm-up win over Worcestershire recently and can take that momentum onto the main stage. But they will have to do it without all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who has also withdrawn from the series.
The Kiwis, like England, are lined with explosive batting options. The hard-hitting Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert and Devon Conway make for an imposing quintet. Conway, who has been in solid form for an extended period, can assume the leadership role among the five.
Head-to-head
England have won three of their last five T20I meetings with New Zealand. This includes two in the last three.
Three of the team's last five wins against each other have been completed by the side batting first - and another on the back of a super over.
Stars to watch
All-rounder Sam Curran has been a relatively quiet name in world cricket over the past few months. This series could be his cue to re-establish himself among the best all-rounders in the game. England will consider opening the bowling with the left-armer and perhaps push him up the batting order.
Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson is back from injury. His pace battle with Atkinson should be an intriguing prospect. Conditions at Chester-le-Street might play right into Jamieson's hands and frame, which are suited to big bounce and carry. New Zealand will likely give him the new ball for a brief opening burst.
Prediction
England should win this series opener and set a precedent for the next three T20Is, especially if Buttler's theme of aggression marry well with enough economy on the hosts' bowling front.
Suggested bets for the first T20I between England and New Zealand
Jos Buttler to be top England batsman at 2.88
Kyle Jamieson to be New Zealand top bowler at 3.75
