England’s ‘Bazball’ playing style suits New Zealand for the upcoming three-Test series, says former Black Caps seamer Simon Doull.
England come into the tour off the back of a 2-1 series defeat to Pakistan in October, while New Zealand stunned India 3-0 at home in their latest Test action.
It means the Kiwis still stand an outside chance of qualification for the 2025 World Test Championship – where the top two Test teams across a two-year cycle compete in a one-off Test.
“I think the style England are playing, and want to play, suits New Zealand,” Doull told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast ahead of the first Test in Christchurch on Thursday, November 28.
“We know now, they need to win 3-0 to make the World Test Championship final – providing Australia beat India pretty comfortably, as we think might happen.”
“England don’t play for draws anymore, and we know New Zealand have to win 3-0 to make the World Test Championship final – providing Australia beat India pretty comfortably – which will make for some exciting cricket.”
“In home conditions, coming off the back of what they’ve just done [in India], I might make New Zealand slight favourites.”