England begin their ODI World Cup defence against New Zealand in Gujarat in October but before that the two nations clash in a four-match T20 series and a four-game ODI tussle in September.
The first of the T20s takes place at Durham's Riverside Ground on Wednesday and there is expected to be a new look to the England team as Jos Buttler's side try to settle on their best side before the ODI World Cup.
- New Zealand to win
- Mitchell Santner top New Zealand bowler
- Jos Buttler top England runscorer
Black Caps Could Spring A Surprise
England took down New Zealand on their way to T20 World Cup glory at the end of last year but recent contests between the teams have not disappointed and this match could swing either way.
The Black Caps will have to make do without Kane Williamson and Jimmy Neesham for this clash but of the teams England are likely to be more unsettled.
Josh Tongue and John Turner have had to withdraw from the squad due to injury, but England look set to introduce a host of new talent in this series with Will Jacks, Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson pushing to feature.
There is, of course, still plenty of experience in the England ranks but Buttler has labelled the T20 series as an opportunity for the team to "broaden their talent pool" and New Zealand can capitalise on England's experimentation.
The visitors got the better of England in the T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2021 and England have lost four of their last six home T20 internationals, so New Zealand look worth considering to win this match.
Santner could be New Zealand's trump card
Santner New Zealand's Trump Card
Key for New Zealand in this opening T20 contest will be their bowling unit with Mitchell Santner, in particular, worth keeping an eye on.
Santner enjoyed a decent T20 Blast campaign with Worcestershire earlier this year, claiming 12 wickets in the competition, and he was also a danger in the T20 World Cup for New Zealand last year.
The spinner took nine wickets in just five innings for the Black Caps as they reached the semi-finals, while he claimed the wicket of Alex Hales in New Zealand’s group-stage meeting with England.
Santner looks a prime candidate to be New Zealand's top bowler in this opening contest.
SANTNER TOP NEW ZEALAND BOWLER
Buttler in blistering form
Buttler In Blistering Form
There is no denying who England's main man is in T20 cricket right now and 2022 T20 World Cup-winning campaign Jos Buttler should again impress when England take on New Zealand.
Buttler is fresh from blasting an incredible 391 runs for Manchester Originals in the most recent edition of The Hundred, having guided his side to the final, while only three players finished higher than him in the scoring charts at last year's T20 World Cup.
Buttler was also particularly impressive against New Zealand, receiving the player of the match award when the teams clashed in the tournament's group stage, and he looks in a fine position to be England's top runscorer in Durham.
