Can McCullum-Stokes relaunch project 'red-ball reset'?

Project 'red-ball reset' didn't quite work out the way England wanted earlier this year. The changes that were made post the Ashes humbling only resulted in more bewilderment and disappointment as West Indies handed them another defeat. So much has changed since then - with Joe Root stepping down as skipper, and Ben Stokes replacing him at the helm.

More importantly, Brendon McCullum's appointment as head coach has managed to grab plenty of eyeballs as he wasn't necessarily looked at as a red-ball coach by the cricketing community following his multiple stints in the T20 circuit. But McCullum wants to change that perception and intends to take this challenge of taking England back to the pinnacle of Test cricket head on.

So with Stokes and McCullum taking charge, there is enough cause for excitement given the brand of cricket these two have played over the years. But that isn't the only narrative going into this series. There is just plenty to look forward to as England have also recalled the veteran duo of Stuart Broad and James Anderson. Just a few months ago, it looked like the curtains were drawn on the storied careers of these two stalwarts. But following the recent changes, they have once again received a lifeline and will be itching to make the most of it.

Ollie Pope will be given a chance to impress at number 3 - a spot that Root had occupied recently. But the ex-skipper is set to return to his favourite number 4 role and England will be hoping he can pile on the runs given the form he is in already. On the bowling front, the hosts have confirmed that Matthew Potts will be making his debut.

New Zealand on the other hand have a few challenges as well. They won a series on these shores just 12 months ago and followed it up by winning the WTC final. But in order to repeat those feats, they need a few new faces (and some old ones) to step up to the challenge. Ross Taylor and BJ Watling have retired, Trent Boult is unlikely to play this Test considering the fact that he played in the IPL final on Sunday and Henry Nicholls is ruled out as well.

The biggest cause of concern though will centre around the form of their skipper. Kane Williamson has just not been the same ever since the elbow injury he sustained long ago. He has just played one Test post the WTC final and looked out of his depth in the recently-concluded IPL. The longest format might provide him some respite as he can opt to take time to settle down but with the likes of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell also coming on the back of limited preparation as a result of the IPL, New Zealand's batting order looks brittle.

When:June 2-6, 11 AM local time, 3:30 PM IST

Where:Lord's, London

What to expect:While the surface could be batting friendly, rain is predicted on most days in London. That might keep the seamers interested throughout the game.

Team News

England

The hosts have announced their playing XI before the game. Jonny Bairstow's involvement in the IPL hasn't deterred the management from slotting him straightaway in the XI. While Ben Foakes is the designated gloveman, Jack Leach gets the nod ahead of a fourth specialist seamer.

Playing XI:Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (WK), Matthew Potts, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson

New Zealand

Nicholls's absence will give Mitchell an opportunity in the middle order. With Boult unlikely to feature, New Zealand will have to take a call on his replacement in the XI. If they don't opt for a fourth seamer, Ajaz Patel will be in contention.

Probable XI:Will Young, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway, Tom Blundell (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel/Matt Henry

What they said

"It is a little weird seeing him in an England shirt, But fair play to him. I guess that is the nature of the game in this modern era. We're excited for him and I'm sure the England guys will enjoy him." - Tom Latham to Cricket on Brendon McCullum becoming England's red-ball coach.

""It [elbow] has significantly improved, which is the pleasing thing. Obviously having that time out of the game was beneficial to get it back on track somewhat. Although it was a very frustrating period of grappling with it, it is nice to be back into full training and back into cricket really, which is really exciting, and back with the team after watching them on the sidelines for a little bit. So that is nice to see that improvement." - Kane Williamson