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The New Zealand contingent has landed in the United Kingdom for the bio-secure Test tour against England starting on June 2. Notably, the same outing would see the Black Caps playing ICC World Test Championship final against India from June 18 to June 22. As soon as Kane Williamson's men touched down UK, the pictures of their arrival went viral on social media with the fans finding it hard to stop themselves from circulating the visuals ahead of the much-anticipated tour.
The Kiwis have been transferred to Southampton to serve their mandatory quarantine, before hitting the England nets. Meanwhile, the New Zealand quartet in Maldives, which includes, skipper Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santer, Kyle Jamieson along with physio Tommy Simsek and trainer Chris Donaldson, are expected to arrive later on Monday after flying out of the island nation. On the other hand, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee and BJ Watling have departed from Auckland to join the squad in Southampton.
Trent Boult To miss first Test against England
New Zealand’s key pacer Trent Boult has chosen to return home after the suspension of IPL 2021, instead of joining the Kiwi quartet at Maldives. As a result, Boult will be missing the first Test against England and is also doubtful to feature in the second game. “Boult felt for him and his mental health, the best thing he could do was get home for a while,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead. However, the New Zealand coach has assured that their left-arm specialist will be available for the World Test Championship final against India.
The Black Caps will play their first Test against England at Lord's starting June 2, and second in Birmingham starting June 10. The Kiwis will then take on Virat Kohli-led India in the World Test Championship final from June 18- June 22. Prior to the Test series, New Zealand will also feature in a four-day practice game against Somerset starting May 25.