England vs NZ, 1st Test: A look at the debutants
England and New Zealand are locking horns in the first Test at Lord's. The hosts enter the series without Test regulars Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, and Jofra Archer. In their absence, fast bowler Ollie Robinson and batter James Bracey have received their maiden Test caps. Meanwhile, Devon Conway makes his Test debut for New Zealand.
A promising top-order batsman
In the absence of Stokes, who usually solidifies the middle-order, debutant James Bracey has been added to the side. England skipper Joe Root confirmed at the toss. Top-order batsman Bracey represents Gloucestershire in domestic cricket. So far, he has racked up 2,575 runs from 45 First-class games at an average of 36.78. The 24-year-old also has six FC tons to his name.
Devon Conway set to open alongside Tom Latham
Top-order batsman Devon Conway, who has been starring in New Zealand's white-ball victories of late, will make his Test debut. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson recently made the confirmation. The 29-year-old is set to open alongside Tom Latham in the Lord's Test. Conway has made a resounding start to his international career. He averages 75.00 and 59.12 in ODIs and T20Is respectively.
Ollie Robinson to brace England's bowling attack
Ollie Robinson has been the most prolific fast bowler in English conditions over the last few seasons. The tall English seamer has snapped up 279 wickets from 63 FC matches at an incredible average of 21.04. He also has 16 five-fors and five 10-wicket hauls. In the 2018 County Championship, he claimed 74 wickets at 18.66 and followed that up with 63 wickets (2019).
Robinson has taken 188 wickets since the start of 2018
Robinson has scalped 188 FC wickets since the start of 2018, more than any other England seamer. He has taken 29 wickets from his last five matches. Notably, Robinson also owns a First-class ton, which he smashed on his debut, batting at number nine.
