England will look to bounce back from their recent defeat to Pakistan with a three-match Test series against New Zealand, live on talkSPORT 2.
After blowing away numerous records in the first Test against Pakistan, the visitors fell to two damaging defeats to lose the series.
But with The Ashes looming next year, Ben Stokes and co are in full preparation mode and a series against New Zealand will be as hard as they come.
The Black Caps ended India’s long unbeaten run by thrashing them 3-0 away from home.
Now, they are on home soil and have star player Kane Williamson back.
Of course, England head coach Brendon McCullum is a Kiwi, and he will be hoping for a successful return.
England vs New Zealand first Test: Date and how to follow
The first Test of this three-match series is set to take place on Wednesday, November 27.
It is being held at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Play is due to start at 10pm UK time.
talkSPORT has the exclusive radio commentary rights to this series, and you can hear every ball on talkSPORT 2.
Our commentary team includes former England fast bowler Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar and ex-New Zealand skipper Jeremy Coney.
The easiest way to listen to talkSPORT 2 is by downloading the free talkSPORT app and swiping left for talkSPORT 2.
The commentary will also be streamed over on the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube channel as well.
The whole series will also be streamed on TNT Sports. For more information on how to watch, head here.
New Zealand vs England: Team news
England have named their XI for the first Test in Christchurch, and there is a debut for Jacob Bethell.
The 21-year-old was a shock inclusion in the squad, given he’s yet to score a first-class hundred, but with Jordan Cox suffering an injury, he’s set to get his chance.
The young batter has impressed in the white-ball team and now has the chance to make an impression in the Test side.
Stokes is fit and captains the side despite his house being broken into only a month ago.
With Cox injured, vice-captain Ollie Pope is set to take the gloves while Brydon Carse gets a chance after impressing on dead pitches in Pakistan.
For the hosts, they welcome Williamson back from injury, and he replaces Mark Chapman.
There could also be two potential debuts, with Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy in the squad.
But there is no Mitchell Santner for this Test, and he’ll join for the second and third ones.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (2nd & 3rd Tests), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson,Will Young.
New Zealand vs England first Test: What has been said?
Ex-England bowler and talkSPORT commentator Harmison is excited to see Bethell.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I am excited by him.
“I love what I saw of him in the Caribbean. He looks as if he has the temperament.
“I am not bothered about his numbers. This boy has got talent, throw him in, give him a chance.
“This is going to be a fast-scoring ground, and a few balls in, he could on 10 or 12 and off and running.”
