After October's stunning 3-0 Test series win in India, New Zealand are aiming to follow up with victory in their three-match home series against England.
The first Test starts in Christchurch on Wednesday and England coach Brendon McCullum, a legend of Black Caps cricket, is hoping to mastermind a series win against his in-form compatriots.
- NEW ZEALAND TO WIN TEST SERIES
- MATT HENRY TOP NEW ZEALAND FIRST-INNINGS WICKET-TAKER IN FIRST TEST
- TOM LATHAM TOP NEW ZEALAND FIRST-INNINGS RUNSCORER IN FIRST TEST
Kiwi Bowlers Should Test England's Patience
England won October's first Test in Pakistan in magnificent style, racking up 823-7 declared thanks to a mammoth partnership between Joe Root (262) and Harry Brook (317).
However, their batting crumbled on turning pitches in the next two Tests and they may struggle to halt New Zealand's charge in a fascinating three-match series.
England, already missing first-choice wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, have now lost his understudy Jordan Cox to a fractured thumb, while New Zealand welcome back star batter Kane Williamson.
The former captain missed the tour of India, where the Black Caps produced three superb performances to stun their hosts, and they can take advantage of England's inconsistency.
Fast bowlers Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke should test the patience of England's ultra-aggressive batters and Ben Stokes' men suffered a shock defeat to Sri Lanka at The Oval in the final match of their home Test summer.
New Zealand's batting unit looks stronger than ever after the emergence of brilliant youngster Rachin Ravindra, while Will Young, Williamson's replacement in India, was named player of the series and the hosts can claim another memorable success against England.
NEW ZEALAND TO WIN TEST SERIES
Henry Should Hoover Up Wickets At Hagley Oval
The first Test is taking place at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry claimed 7-67 in the first innings of March's tense three-wicket defeat to Australia.
Henry was at it again in October's first Test in Bengaluru, taking 5-15 in 13.2 immaculate overs as India were bowled out for just 46.
His Hagley Oval heroics against the Aussies were no fluke as he had also taken eight wickets in the first match of that series.
Henry picked up 14 wickets in two Christchurch Tests against South Africa in 2022 and took 4-80 and 3-71 at the venue against Sri Lanka the following year, so he should pose a huge threat to England's batters.
MATT HENRY TOP NEW ZEALAND FIRST-INNINGS WICKET-TAKER IN FIRST TEST
Skipper Can Lead From The Front For New Zealand
New Zealand captain Tom Latham made a vital second-innings 86 in the second Test against India in Pune, although his other five scores in the series were 15, nought, 15, 28 and one.
The opener will be looking to contribute more regularly against England and the series starts at one of his favourite venues.
Latham is the leading Test runscorer in the history of the Hagley Oval, helped by innings of 176 against Sri Lanka in 2018 and 252 against Bangladesh in 2022.
His last four scores at the venue were 67 and 24 against the Lankans and 38 and 73 against a top-class Australian bowling attack in March.
The left-hander, who scored 83 in the second innings of the 2018 Christchurch Test against England, averages just under 50 at the venue and can get his side off to a strong start in the series opener.
TOM LATHAM TOP NEW ZEALAND FIRST-INNINGS RUNSCORER IN FIRST TEST
