Emma Crowe rang the bell to begin proceedings for the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy series. Anthems were performed before both sides took the field in a single line. England openers Emilio Gay and Ben Duckett made their way to the middle. A minute of silence honored former players including Robin Smith, Hugh Morris and MJK Smith. New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and chose to bowl first under overcast conditions. Gay received his first cap from Alastair Cook before the match. England named Shoaib Bashir in place of Sonny Baker while New Zealand selected Nathan Smith ahead of Mitch Santner. The 150th Test at Lord’s features a revised England batting order with Gay debuting and Ollie Robinson returning. New Zealand arrived with a strong squad after their recent 3-0 series win in India. Weather forecasts indicate rain throughout the opening days, raising concerns about a result. The match marks the first Test of the English summer following a difficult winter tour for the hosts.
