New Zealand vs England Test Series: Schedule and Venues Announced

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially unveiled the venues and schedule for the highly anticipated Test series against England, set to take place in November this year. The series, forming part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, promises cricket enthusiasts a thrilling display of the sport at some of New Zealand’s iconic grounds.

The opening match of the series is scheduled to commence on November 28 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, setting the tone for what is expected to be a fiercely contested series. The action will then move to the capital city, where the Basin Reserve in Wellington will play host to the second Test starting December 6. The series will conclude with the third and final Test at Seddon Park in Hamilton, beginning December 14.

This announcement follows a previous tour by England to New Zealand for a two-match Test series last year, which concluded in a 1-1 draw. Notably, that series did not count towards the WTC cycle. The upcoming series, however, will contribute points towards the championship, adding an extra layer of competition and significance to the encounters.

Scott Weenink, the Chief Executive of NZC, expressed enthusiasm for the series, noting a significant uptick in the popularity of Test cricket among New Zealand audiences. The success of the recent Test series against Australia, which saw record attendance and viewership numbers, has bolstered confidence in the enduring appeal of the longest format of the game.

Weenink highlighted the transformation in the perception of Test cricket in New Zealand, with increased interest now translating into substantial ticket sales and viewership. The upcoming series against England is expected to continue this trend, drawing large crowds and ensuring a vibrant atmosphere at the venues.

In addition to the England Test series, NZC also announced forthcoming tours by the Australia and Sri Lanka women’s teams, as well as the Sri Lanka and Pakistan men’s teams during the 2024/2025 summer.

As it stands in the WTC table, New Zealand is positioned third, having accumulated 36 points with a point percentage of 50.00 from six matches, which include three wins and three defeats. The series against England offers the Kiwis an opportunity to bolster their standing and make significant strides in the championship. Fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the contests, promising an exciting summer of cricket in New Zealand.

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