England have announced XI for the first Test against New Zealand, which commences from Thursday (November 28) in Christchurch. Young prodigy Jacob Bethell is set to make his Test debut for England.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett have gained their position to open the innings for England. While Jacob Bethell is set to bat at No. 3 and Joe Root stays at No. 4. Ollie Pope has been demoted to No. 5 with captain Ben Stokes to come at No. 6.

The pace attack consists of Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes. The spin attack will solely depend on Shoaib Bashir.

England XI for the first Test against New Zealand : Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes (Captain), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.

England are coming after losing an away series to Pakistan, despite going 1-0, England crumbled infront of the Pakistan veteran spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali to lose the series by 2-1.

On the contrary, New Zealand have had a sensational tour in India, clean sweeping the team India by 3-nil in a historic series and they'll be hoping to emulate the same performances at home as well.