The Ashes Build Begins This Summer
The England v New Zealand Test series 2026 is set to be one of the highlights of the cricket calendar. Featuring two top international sides, these match ups consistently deliver world-class cricket, competitive play, and a traditional Test match atmosphere.
England’s most recent tour of New Zealand in 2025 produced a mixed set of results, adding extra intrigue ahead of this year’s meeting. While England came out on top in the T20 series with a narrow overall advantage, the ODI leg was dominated by New Zealand, who secured a convincing 3-0 clean sweep on home soil. The series highlighted just how competitive the match-up between the two sides can be, with New Zealand particularly strong in home conditions and England showing flashes of quality but struggling for consistency in the longer white-ball format.
That contrast sets the stage perfectly for this summer’s Test series, where both teams will once again meet in a format that tends to bring out their most balanced and disciplined cricket. With momentum and pride on the line, the upcoming England v New Zealand Tests at Lord’s and The Oval promise to build on that recent rivalry.
England v New Zealand Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground
The series begins at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, often referred to as the Home of Cricket.
Match Dates
- Thursday 4th June – Day 1
- Friday 5th June – Day 2
- Saturday 6th June - Day 3
- Sunday 7th June - Day 4
The England v New Zealand Test at Lord’s is widely regarded as one of the standout fixtures in the cricket calendar. Set against a backdrop of rich history and tradition, the ground offers a unique atmosphere that is unlike anywhere else in the game. With its world-famous Pavilion and classic Test match setting, Lord’s continues to be a highlight of the English summer for cricket supporters.
England v New Zealand Test at The Oval
The series then moves to The Oval, another of London’s premier cricket venues, known for its lively atmosphere and memorable Test matches.
Match Dates
- Wednesday 17th June - Day 1
- Thursday 18th June - Day 2
- Friday 19th June - Day 3
- Saturday 20th June - Day 4
The England v New Zealand Oval Test offers an outstanding matchday experience, combining excellent views of the action with premium seating and inclusive food and drink throughout the day. It’s a popular choice for both corporate groups and cricket fans looking to enjoy a full day of international Test cricket in London.
More details on these packages here.
Attending the England v New Zealand Test matches in London provides more than just cricket, it’s a complete day out. From the atmosphere in the stands to the quality of facilities, both venues offer an elevated experience for guests.
A Key Build-Up to the Ashes
The England v New Zealand Test series also acts as the perfect build-up to the Ashes, one of the biggest events in international cricket.
England’s most recent Ashes campaign in Australia (2025/26) was a fiercely contested and high-profile series that once again underlined the intensity of cricket’s greatest rivalry. Played across Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, the series swung between moments of English resistance and strong Australian dominance. England managed to produce flashes of quality, including a memorable victory in Melbourne, but Australia ultimately controlled key phases of the series and secured the overall result with a 4-1 win.
Despite England’s improvements in certain matches and standout individual performances, Australia’s consistency at home proved decisive, particularly across the first three Tests where they built a commanding lead in the series.
That hard-fought series in Australia sets the stage perfectly for renewed anticipation heading into the Ashes in London in 2026. With both teams having recently tested each other in challenging conditions, the rivalry now returns to English soil where familiar venues like Lord’s and The Oval will once again become the centre of world cricket attention. Other venues include Trent Bridge in Nottingham, The Utilita Bowl in Southampton and Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Interest in Ashes tickets and premium seating at venues at London’s major venues is always exceptionally high. For many, the England v New Zealand Test series is seen as a precursor to the Ashes, offering an early opportunity to experience England’s Test summer before the intensity and demand of the Ashes arrives.
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