NASSER HUSSAIN: England shouldn't tinker with the plan during two-Test series against New Zealand
Daily MailThis two-Test series against New Zealand is a bit of a restart for England after losing the last three games in India in such alien conditions. Although England want to plan for the future they shouldn't stray too far from their best team They scored big first-innings runs in that game, which is the template laid down by Chris Silverwood when he took over as head coach in late 2019, and took control of the match. I completely understand the need to look after the players’ wellbeing in a time of Covid and bubble life, and I applaud England managing director Ashley Giles and Silverwood for their stance. There is a lot to like about New Zealand and they will provide England with a challenge As for New Zealand, I once described them when I was captain as ‘pains in the backside’. They’re a team that always do well in World Cups, they went No 1 in the Test rankings not long ago, and they’re about to play in the World Test Championship Final against India.