Morning rain delayed the game, and a start time would be determined after an early lunch.

While England are expected to field the same 11 players that beat New Zealand in Napier in March, the visitors are set to make a number of changes.

Stephen Fleming, New Zealand’s top run scorer, retired from test cricket after the last series against England, and Matthew Sinclair and Matthew Bell have been dropped. In their place, Daniel Flunn and Aaron Redmond will make their test debuts while James Marshall has been recalled and is likely to bat at No. 3.

Jacob Oram, New Zealand’s leading allrounder, has returned from injury and replaces Grant Elliot.

Redmond, who made 146 against the England Lions last week, will open the innings with Jamie How, who captained the side in the opening tour games while regular skipper Daniel Vettori played in the Indian Premier League.

Subscribe to The China Post and save.  Click hereSharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 800 characters max

Receive China Post promos

Respond to this email