England vs New Zealand 2026 Series: Full Schedule, Squads, Live Streaming and Match Details

England vs New Zealand 2026: Schedule, Squads, Live Streaming and All You Need to Know

England and New Zealand are set to kick off their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 rivalry with a three-match Test series beginning at Lord’s on June 4. With valuable WTC points on the line and both teams entering the contest with contrasting recent fortunes, the series promises plenty of intrigue.

England will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia that raised fresh questions about the team’s direction. Despite the setback, the leadership trio of Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Rob Key remains in place as England begins a new chapter at home.

The hosts have made several notable changes to their squad. Durham opener Emilio Gay has earned a maiden call-up after a prolific County Championship season, while Jacob Bethell retains his place after impressing during the Ashes, including a breakthrough Test century. England will hope the fresh faces can help spark a revival in the longer format.

New Zealand arrive in England in buoyant mood after crushing Ireland by an innings and 79 runs in Belfast. The Black Caps currently occupy second place in the WTC standings and have an opportunity to strengthen their position with a successful tour.

A major boost for the visitors is the return of pace bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke. Both have recovered from injury setbacks and are expected to spearhead a formidable fast-bowling attack alongside Matt Henry.

Veteran batter Kane Williamson will also be under the spotlight. The former New Zealand captain has been managing his international commitments since stepping away from a central contract in 2024. With the 35-year-old confirming that this will be his fifth and final Test appearance at Lord’s, questions continue to surround how much longer one of New Zealand’s greatest batters will remain in the Test arena.

England won the previous Test series between the sides 2-1 in New Zealand in 2024, and another closely fought contest is expected this time around.

WTC points and momentum at stake

The series carries significant importance in the ICC World Test Championship race. New Zealand currently sit second on the table after winning two of their first three matches in the cycle, while England are looking to recover ground after slipping to seventh place following their Ashes disappointment.

With two quality sides, returning stars and crucial championship points at stake, the England-New Zealand series is set to be one of the standout Test contests of the English summer.

England vs New Zealand 2026: Full Test series schedule
1st Test: June 4-8, Lord’s, London — 3:30 PM IST
2nd Test: June 17-21, The Oval, London — 3:30 PM IST
3rd Test: June 25-29, Trent Bridge, Nottingham — 3:30 PM IST
Where to watch England vs New Zealand in India?

The entire Test series will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.

Squads

England: Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes (captain), Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Matthew Fisher, Ollie Robinson, Shoaib Bashir and Josh Tongue.

New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke and Blair Tickner.