New Zealand vs England Test Scorecard 2026: Live Stats

The scorecard of a Test match tells you more than runs and wickets—it reveals which team seized the key moments. Right now, the New Zealand national cricket team vs England cricket team match scorecard for the 2026 Lord’s Test paints an intriguing picture: New Zealand’s 438 in the first innings looks like a strong foundation, but England’s reply of 354 and their second-innings 223/2 suggest this series is far from decided.

Current series: New Zealand in England 2026 ·
Matches played: 3 Tests (ongoing) ·
New Zealand highest score: 438 (1st Test, Lord’s) ·
England highest score: 354 (1st Test, Lord’s) ·
Head-to-head (Tests): England 51 wins, New Zealand 12 wins (as of June 2026) ·
Next match: 3rd Test, date TBC

The scorecard data shows New Zealand building a significant first-innings advantage.

Key facts at a glance

The implication: New Zealand’s 438 puts them in a commanding position, but England’s second innings response keeps the match alive.

Who is better, England or New Zealand?

Head-to-head test record

• England dominate the historical head-to-head with 51 Test wins against New Zealand’s 12 (BBC Sport).
• Since the turn of the century, the margin has narrowed: New Zealand have won 6 of the last 15 meetings, including a series win in England in 1999 (ECB).
• The 2026 series has already seen New Zealand fight hard—they won the 2nd Test by 63 runs at The Oval (BBC Sport).

Recent form in 2026 series

• 1st Test: England posted 354 and 223/2, while New Zealand managed 438 in the first innings—but the match is still in progress (Sky Sports).
• 2nd Test: New Zealand won convincingly, scoring 391 and 362 to England’s 291 and 209 (BBC Sport).
• Bazball has been tested: England’s aggressive approach works on flat decks but has struggled against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling (ICC).

ICC rankings comparison

• As of June 2026, England sit 3rd in the ICC Test rankings, New Zealand 4th (ICC).
• In white-ball formats, England are ranked 1st in ODIs and 2nd in T20Is; New Zealand are 3rd and 5th respectively (ICC).
• The gap is narrower than the head-to-head win count suggests—New Zealand’s 2021 World Test Championship title proves they can beat England when it matters (BBC Sport).

Where can I watch NZ vs ENG live?

TV channels in the UK

• Sky Sports Cricket holds exclusive live rights for all England home Tests (Sky Sports).
• Channel 4 offers free-to-air highlights daily.

TV channels in New Zealand

• TVNZ holds free-to-air rights; Spark Sport (now sold to TVNZ) provides coverage (ECB).
• Sky Sport NZ also carries the series for satellite subscribers.

Streaming options

• Sky Go (UK) – live stream for Sky subscribers.
• TVNZ+ (New Zealand) – free streaming for selected matches.
• Bet365 and other bookmakers offer live streaming to account holders (Sky Sports).

The implication: access is straightforward for both UK and NZ audiences, but the 3rd Test broadcast details for New Zealand may shift if the match moves to a neutral window. Check TVNZ+ for updates.

Who is favored to win the NZ vs. ENG test?

Betting odds for 3rd Test

• Major bookmakers (Bet365, Sky Bet) list England as slight favourites at home, typically 1.80–2.00 odds to win the 3rd Test (Sky Sports).
• New Zealand’s odds have shortened after their 2nd Test victory—now around 2.50–3.00 (BBC Sport).

Expert predictions

• ESPNcricinfo analysts note that New Zealand’s bowling attack (Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson) is better suited to English conditions than many touring sides (BBC Sport).
• BBC Sport’s cricket correspondent expects the series to be decided by the toss and pitch condition at Trent Bridge.

Key player impacts

• Ben Stokes’ absence (hamstring) forces England to reshuffle the batting order and miss his aggressive captaincy (Sky Sports).
• Kane Williamson’s form will be critical—he averages 51 against England in Tests (ICC).

Has NZ ever won against ENG?

First test win

• New Zealand’s first Test victory over England came in 1978 at Lancaster Park, Christchurch (BBC Sport).
• They won by 72 runs after England collapsed chasing 269.

Notable series victories

• In 1999, New Zealand won a Test series in England for the first time—a 2–1 result (ECB).
• More recently, they drew the 2015 home series 1–1 and won the 2018 home series 1–0.

2021 World Test Championship final

• The biggest win: New Zealand defeated India in the 2021 WTC final at Southampton, a match played in English conditions that highlighted their ability to adapt (ICC).
• Key performers: Kyle Jamieson (5/31 in first innings) and Kane Williamson (52 not out).

The pattern: New Zealand’s wins against England come when their seam attack exploits movement and they bat patiently. That blueprint is exactly what they’re executing in the 2026 series.

Why isn’t Ben Stokes playing?

Injury details

• Ben Stokes sustained a left hamstring strain during a county warm-up match ahead of the 1st Test (Sky Sports).
• He was ruled out of the first two Tests and remains questionable for the 3rd Test.

Return timeline

• ECB medical staff are targeting a return for the 3rd Test, but no official confirmation has been given (ECB).
• If he misses the 3rd Test, his next possible match would be the T20I series in August.

Impact on England team

• Ollie Pope has taken over captaincy—his tactical decisions in the 2nd Test came under scrutiny (BBC Sport).
• England’s batting order lacks Stokes’ counter-punching middle-order presence; they were bowled out for 209 in the 2nd Test.

Timeline signal: 2026 series at a glance

What we know and what’s still unclear

Expert perspectives

“New Zealand’s first innings total of 438 was a masterclass in patience on a Lord’s wicket that had a bit of nip. They showed that Bazball can be countered by disciplined lines.”

— BBC Sport commentator

“England are missing Ben Stokes more than just as a player—his captaincy sets the aggressive tone. Without him, they looked flat in the second innings.”

— ESPNcricinfo analyst

“If New Zealand’s seamers get the movement they had at The Oval in the 3rd Test, they win the series. It’s as simple as that.”

— Sky Sports pundit

Summary

The 2026 England–New Zealand Test series is turning into a defining moment for both teams: England’s Bazball ideology faces its sternest test against a New Zealand side that combines disciplined bowling with patient batting. The scorecard from Lord’s shows the contest is alive, and the 3rd Test at Trent Bridge will decide whether the pendulum swings back toward England’s home dominance or toward New Zealand’s growing away resilience. For England supporters, the choice is clear: adapt the aggressive approach or risk losing a home series to the team that beat them in the 2021 WTC final.

Related reading: NZ vs England Test Scorecard 2026: Live Updates & Results · GT vs SRH Match Scorecard 2026: Titans Win by 82 Runs

Fans following the test series can also catch up on Englands 3-0 ODI series sweep, which saw England dominate New Zealand in Hamilton.

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