Stuart Broad ready to return for England’s first Test against New Zealand

Stuart Broad is ready to return for England’s first Test against New Zealand as Brendon McCullum BACKS Ben Stokes’ decision to sit out the warm-up match

  • Stuart Broad enjoyed a solid day of practice on his return from paternity leave
  • A New Zealand XI made 310 all out in reply to England’s 465 in the tour match
  • Captain Ben Stokes sat out the warm-up match but had two lengthy net sessions 

Stuart Broad looks certain to return to the England side for next week’s first Test after easing back into action on a day of solid match practice here in Hamilton.

Broad, who missed the triumphant series in Pakistan on paternity leave, got through 10 overs, albeit fairly expensive ones, and took a brilliant return catch to dismiss William O’Donnell as a New Zealand XI made 310 all out in response to England’s 465 on Wednesday.

He now looks sure to play in Thursday’s day-night first Test in Mount Maunganui alongside his old strike partner in Jimmy Anderson, Ollie Robinson and Jack Leach, with captain Ben Stokes balancing the side as fifth bowler.

The pick of England’s attack was actually Matthew Potts, another bowler to miss out on the 3-0 victory in Pakistan.

Potts, who was left out of that trip, responded by bowling 11 overs at a decent pace, taking a late tail-end wicket, but looks certain to miss out next week.

Stuart Broad stepped up his preparations for England’s first Test against New Zealand

England’s first choice attack was mostly held up by Quinn Sunde, a 22-year-old without a solitary first-class match. Sunde made 91 before driving loosely at Olly Stone and edging to Joe Root at second slip.

England are happy just to have this two-day practice match with a pink ball as their only match preparation for the two-Test series and will head to Mount Maunganui in good spirits as they seek their first victory in any Test in New Zealand since 2008.

Stokes sat out this match, preferring instead to have two lengthy net sessions, but coach Brendon McCullum was quick to point out today that he was happy for his captain to stay on the sidelines.

‘Some characters don’t need warm-up games,’ said McCullum, returning to his native New Zealand after his remarkable start as England Test coach. ‘The bigger the competition the more they step up. Ben’s never been a warm-up game kind of guy and I don’t see that changing any time soon.’

Meanwhile, England’s preparation for the first Test looks certain to be interrupted by the threat of a cyclone that is set to hit New Zealand’s north island early next week.

Cyclone Gabrielle is likely to bring heavy rain to Mount Maunganui on Monday and possibly Tuesday but England are confident they have enough miles in their legs already to take on the Kiwis as they look to add to their remarkable record under McCullum and Stokes of nine wins in 10 Tests. 

Broad and Jimmy Anderson look certain to play in the day-night first Test in Mount Maunganui

Broad and Jimmy Anderson look certain to play in the day-night first Test in Mount Maunganui

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