CricInfo Home
News Home

NEWS FOCUS
Rsa in Pak
NZ in India
Zim in Aus

Domestic
Other Series

As the World Cup moves towards its climax at Lord's on Sunday, thoughts are beginning to turn, ever so slightly, to the Test series between England and New Zealand which follows it. The New Zealanders announced their 16-man touring party yesterday for the four Tests in July and August.

Traditionally, the series against New Zealand is low-key, and this one will be no different. England, without a coach, possibly with a new captain, and almost certainly with several new players, are a weak international side, and New Zealand are the only established Test-playing country below them in the Wisden world championship rankings.

The series begins on July 1 at Edgbaston, by which time New Zealand may conceivably have conquered the world. They meet Pakistan at Old Trafford tomorrow in the first World Cup semi-final hoping to spring a trap as dangerous as the one that did for Australia in the first-round game in Cardiff.

From the point of view of selling seats for the Test series, the England and Wales Cricket Board may be hoping the Kiwis win the competition. England's dismal performance in the World Cup has put a big wet cloth over the summer as a whole. Though something may come along to put a different perspective on things when the Pakistanis, the Australians and the South Africans go home, it is hard to see what.

After Edgbaston the Tests are at Lord's, Old Trafford and the Oval. There is none at Trent Bridge or Headingley, which is a shame because it means both grounds must celebrate a centenary of Test cricket without an actual match. It is more than a shame, really. It is pretty thoughtless.

New Zealand have recalled Matthew Bell - a promising young opening batsman - after a virus that kept him out of the World Cup. There are places for Martyn Croy, a wicketkeeper, and for a legspinner, Brooke Walker. Three players taking part in the World Cup will not stay on: Gavin Larsen, Matthew Hart and Carl Bulfin.