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England begins home test against New Zealand at Lord's amid Ashes fallout

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 8:10 AM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

England begins home test against New Zealand at Lord's amid Ashes fallout

Summary

England faces New Zealand in its first home test of the year starting Thursday at Lord's. The match follows England's disappointing Ashes tour in Australia, where they suffered the fastest series defeat in 104 years. Coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes remain despite criticism, while new players Emilio Gay and Jacob Bethell are set to debut in the lineup. New Zealand introduces its pace duo, Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke, both returning from injuries. The match is seen as an opportunity for England to reset and improve after recent failures.

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Status Watch

•The test match starts on Thursday at Lord's.
•England aims to recover from a poor Ashes campaign.
•Emilio Gay and Jacob Bethell join the England squad.
•New Zealand's Jamieson and O'Rourke return from injury.
•Kane Williamson plays potentially his last test at Lord's.

Latest Updates

8:10 AMYahoo Sports — England seeks a fresh start at Lord's as Ashes backlash lingers ahead of New Zealand test

What they're saying

"
An occasion that should herald a fresh start is enveloped by a stench of dissatisfaction lingering from England's humiliating tour to Australia. A team that was groomed for two years to end Australia's grip on the Ashes was crushed in 11 days before Christmas; tied for the quickest Ashes series defeat in 104 years. England's slack preparation and wrong tactical approach were aggravated by reports of excessive drinking under relentless local media scrutiny.
— Yahoo Sportsby FOSTER NIUMATA

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