After four months of intense T20 action at the T20 World Cup and the IPL, the cricket world shifts its focus back to Test cricket. And to kickstart it all, England will 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 couple of changes to their side.
Ashes centurion Jacob Bethell will undoubtedly be England’s biggest top-order prospect moving 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 management.
The Kiwis are arguably the more in-form team heading into the series. Not only are they the last away side 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 batters to come out again. Glenn Phillips returns to the Test squad, while Mitchell Santner is fully fit after missing half of the IPL due to a shoulder injury.
Their bowling attack is also very well-rounded and arguably carries more experience than England’s, thanks to Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, alongside proven youngsters Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith.
Read on as we explain how to watch the 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 could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you’re not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.
There are lots of VPNs but NordVPN is the one you can rely on 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 the US
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 watch Willow coverage through your choice of Sling TV’s Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starting from $10 per month.
Outside the US? Use NordVPN to watch Willow TV’s stream of England vs New Zealand from anywhere.
How to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live streams in the UK
England vs New Zealand is being 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, grab a NOW Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.
Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred 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 is being shown on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available via Sony LIV.
Sony LIV subscription plans in India start at ₹599 for the Mobile-Only yearly plan, or you can get the ₹999 Premium yearly plan.
If you’re currently out of India but want to watch an England vs New Zealand 2026 live stream, you’ll need to get yourself a VPN, as per the instructions above.
How to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live streams in Australia
The England vs New Zealand Test series is being 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’re out of Australia at all during The Ashes get yourself 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’ll need to get a DStv access package to watch the all three tests with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you’re back home and you’ll be good to go.
How to watch England vs New Zealand 2026 Test live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sport NZ is your go to for the Kiwis’ England tour, including the first test at Lord’s starting June 4.
You can access Sky Sport through satellite TV or get a live stream with the Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
Those outside of New Zealand for a Test match or the series can use NordVPN to gain access to their home streaming service.
Eng vs NZ 2026 Test Series Q+A
What time does play start in the England vs New Zealand 1st Test?
Play in the 1st Test at Lord’s is scheduled to start at 6am ET / 11am BST / 9pm AEDT / 3:30pm IST each day.
What is the schedule for the Eng vs NZ 2026 Test series?
- 1st Test: Lord’s, London – June 4-8
- 2nd Test: The Oval, London – June 17-21
- 3rd Test: Trent Bridge, Nottingham – June 25-29
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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