England v New Zealand Third Test Match Preview, Odds & Predictions
England
New Zealand
England and New Zealand will lock horns at Trent Bridge in the decisive final match of the series, with both sides entering the contest level at 1-1.
England Preview
England will be looking to respond strongly after suffering a heavy 253-run defeat in the second Test, a result that allowed New Zealand to level the series at 1-1 heading into the decisive final match. The Three Lions made an impressive start to the series with a commanding 115-run victory in the opening Test and will be eager to rediscover that form as they chase a series win. Harry Brook has been England's standout performer with the bat so far, scoring 138 runs across the first two matches, while fast bowler Josh Tongue leads the team's wicket-taking charts with eight wickets. In a major boost ahead of the series decider, England have recalled captain Ben Stokes, pace bowler Gus Atkinson, and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith as they look to regain the upper hand against the Black Caps.
England XI
Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand heads into the series-deciding Test at Trent Bridge full of confidence after a dominant 253-run victory at The Oval leveled the series at 1-1. The Black Caps produced an outstanding all-round performance in the second Test to set up a winner-takes-all showdown, but they know an even tougher challenge awaits in Nottingham. England are expected to be strengthened by the returns of captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson for the crucial encounter. Glenn Phillips has been New Zealand's leading run-scorer in the series so far, accumulating 181 runs, while pace spearhead Matt Henry has been the standout performer with the ball, claiming 12 wickets across the first two Tests.
New Zealand XI:
Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young, Dean Foxcroft and Ben Sears (traveling reserve)
England v New Zealand Prediction
With the series level at 1-1, a thrilling contest is expected at Trent Bridge. New Zealand carry momentum from their convincing win in the second Test, but England will be boosted by the return of key players, including Ben Stokes. My prediction is a win for England with 1xBet offering 1.65 odds.
