The Black Caps were the better team at home in their series earlier this year, but were unable to finish the job and the series was deadlocked.
Despite being resounding favourites and the world’s second ranked Test team, and playing at home, England captain Alastair Cook has said his side will need to be on top form to break the deadlock.
“I don’t think there was complacency around, but we didn’t play as well as we could have done, that’s the bottom line,” said Cook, 28.
“We all know cricket is not played on paper or on rankings. It’s out there in the middle, 11 v 11. It doesn’t matter what’s gone on before or after. It’s those five days.
England haven’t lost a May Test at Lord’s since 2000 – 1999 was the most recent NZ win against England in the Old Dart.
While rain and chilly weather has disrupted preparations, the sun is shining on the home of cricket today.
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