After four months of intense T20 action at the T20 World Cup and IPL, the cricketing world is shifting its focus back to Test cricket. And to kick-start it all, England take on New Zealand in a three-match Test series at home, with the first match at the iconic Lord’s in London.
This will be England’s first Test match since their humiliating 4-1 Ashes series defeat Down Under. Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes will be keen to turn the page, more so with a few changes to their side.
Ashes centurion Jacob Bethell will undoubtedly be England’s biggest top-order prospect going forward, but the biggest news is that they have finally let go of Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope. Emilio Gay comes in for his debut for the former, while Bethell continues in the absence of Pope.
As for the fast-bowling attack, it will be spearheaded by Gus Atkinson alongside Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson, the latter of whom has received a recall due to Brydon Carse’s injury and Jofra Archer’s workload.
The Kiwis are undoubtedly the more in-form team heading into the series. Not only are they the last away team to win a Test series in England back in 2021, but they also arrive on the back of a strong 1-0 win over Ireland just a week ago.
Tom Blundell starred with a magnificent 186 in that match, after which the Kiwi bowlers wrapped things up without requiring their batsmen to get out again. Glenn Phillips returns to the Test squad while Mitchell Santner is fully fit after missing half of the IPL with a shoulder injury.
Their bowling attack is also very well-rounded and arguably has more experience than England’s, thanks to Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, along with proven youngsters Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith.
Read on as we explain how to watch England vs New Zealand 1st Test at Lord’s from anywhere in the world.
Use a VPN to watch any England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live stream
If you’re keen to watch Eng vs NZ cricket but you’re away from home and your preferred coverage is geo-blocked, you can always use a VPN to access it (provided you’re not breaching any broadcasters’ T&Cs, of course). You might be surprised how easy it is to do.
There are plenty of VPNs, but NordVPN is the one you can trust to unblock streaming platforms – and right now you can save up to 75%.
How to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live streams in USA
In the US, dedicated cricket streaming service Willow TV is the place to watch every Test match of the 2026 England vs New Zealand series.
If you don’t have it as part of your cable package, you can see Willow coverage through your selection of Sling TVs Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starts from $10 per month.
Outside the US? Use NordVPN to watch Willow TV’s stream of England vs New Zealand anywhere.
How to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live streams in UK
England vs New Zealand is shown on Sky Sports. The games, including the first Test at Lord’s, will be on the Cricket and Main Event channels.
Sky Sports plans start from £35/month or £20 if you’re an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, you can grab a NU Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.
Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your favorite coverage of the Eng vs NZ series.
How to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live streams in India
In India, Eng vs NZ in the first Test at Lord’s will be shown on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available via Sony LIFE.
Sony LIV subscription plans in India start at INR 599 for the mobile-only annual plan or you can get the Premium annual plan at INR 999.
If you are currently outside India but want to watch a live stream of England vs New Zealand 2026, you must get a VPNaccording to the instructions above.
How to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live streams in Australia
The England vs New Zealand Test series is shown on Fox Cricket via Foxtel in Australia, with live streaming available via Kayo Sports.
Kayo Sports starts at AU$30 per month after a 7-day free trial. Or you can get your first month for AU$1.
Remember if you are out of Australia at all during The Ashes get a VPN to stream Eng vs NZ from anywhere in the world.
How to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live streams in South Africa
The England vs New Zealand 2026 Test series will be shown on Supersport in South Africa.
You must have one DStv access package to watch all three tests with prices starting at Rs 99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and ready to go.
How to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sports NZ is your turn for the Kiwis’ England tour, including the first Test at Lord’s, starting on June 4.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
Those outside New Zealand for a test match or series can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
Eng vs NZ 2026 Test Series Q+A
When does the England vs New Zealand 1st Test match start?
Play in the 1st Test at Lord’s is scheduled to start at 06:00 ET / 11:00 BST / 21:00 AEDT / 15:30 IST every day.
What is the schedule for Eng vs NZ 2026 Test series?
- 1st Test: Lord’s, London – 4-8 June
- 2nd Test: The Oval, London – 17-21 June
- 3rd Test: Trent Bridge, Nottingham – 25-29 June
What are the teams for the 1st Eng vs NZ test?
England: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue
New Zealand: 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, Kane Williamson, Will Young
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