Cricket Is Back at Lord's: England vs New Zealand Starts This Thursday
For cricket fans, June in England signals one thing: the return of Test cricket.
And there is no bigger stage to begin the summer than Lord's.
This Thursday, 4 June 2026, England and New Zealand will walk out at the Home of Cricket for the first Test of a highly anticipated three-match series. Running from 4–8 June, the match marks the start of England's home Test summer and will be the first chapter in what promises to be a fascinating battle between two of the world's most respected Test sides.
Whether you're a lifelong cricket supporter, a Londoner looking for a summer sporting event, or a visitor curious about one of Britain's greatest traditions, here's everything you need to know about the return of Test cricket to Lord's.
What Match Is Taking Place at Lord's This Week?
England will host New Zealand in the opening Test of a three-match series at Lord's Cricket Ground in St John's Wood, London.
The match begins on Thursday 4 June and is scheduled to run until Monday 8 June. Play is due to start at 11:00am local time each day. The series forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle and is officially known as the Rothesay Test Series.
For many supporters, this fixture represents the true beginning of the English cricket summer.
Why This Series Matters
England and New Zealand have developed one of the most entertaining rivalries in modern Test cricket.
The two sides famously met when Brendon McCullum first took charge of England in 2022, launching the aggressive style of cricket that became known worldwide as "Bazball". Four years later, McCullum remains England's coach, but he has spoken about refining and evolving the team's approach as they enter a new chapter.
This series is also the inaugural Crowe–Thorpe Trophy, created in honour of New Zealand great Martin Crowe and England legend Graham Thorpe. The trophy adds extra significance to what was already one of the standout Test series of the summer.
For England, the series offers a chance to begin the summer strongly after a difficult Ashes campaign in Australia. For New Zealand, it is an opportunity to prove themselves away from home against one of the game's most aggressive Test sides.
Lord's: The Perfect Place to Start the Summer
Few sporting venues in the world carry the prestige of Lord's.
Often referred to as the "Home of Cricket", the ground has hosted some of the sport's most memorable moments for more than two centuries. Every Test match at Lord's feels significant, but opening the English summer there makes it even more special.
The atmosphere is unique.
Spectators arrive early, players walk through the famous Long Room, and thousands gather in the stands hoping to witness another chapter of cricket history.
For many cricket fans, watching a Test match at Lord's remains a bucket-list experience.
Players to Watch
England have named a strong squad for the opening Test.
The team is led by captain Ben Stokes and includes several of the biggest names in world cricket, including Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Duckett. England have also recalled spinner Shoaib Bashir and fast bowler Ollie Robinson for the opening match.
One of the biggest talking points is whether fast bowler Sonny Baker will make his Test debut. The final decision is expected shortly before the match begins, depending on pitch and weather conditions.
For New Zealand, captain Tom Latham leads a talented squad that includes Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson. Williamson's return adds extra quality to an already experienced batting line-up, while Jamieson's height and bounce could make him a major threat at Lord's.
Can You Still Get Tickets?
The popularity of Test cricket at Lord's remains as strong as ever.
According to the ECB, Days 1, 2 and 3 at Lord's are already sold out. Limited tickets remain available for Days 4 and 5, depending on availability. Fans hoping to attend should check official ticketing platforms as soon as possible.
Even if you cannot secure a ticket for the opening days, later days often provide excellent value and can still deliver some of the most dramatic moments in Test cricket.
Where Can You Watch the Match?
If you're unable to make it to Lord's, there are still plenty of ways to follow the action.
The match will be broadcast live in the UK, with extensive coverage available throughout all five days. Live scorecards, commentary and match updates will also be available through major cricket platforms online.
Many London pubs, sports bars and cricket clubs are also expected to show the match, particularly across the weekend when attendance and interest typically increase.
What Else Is Coming This Summer?
The Lord's Test is only the beginning.
The series continues later this month with two further Test matches:
Second Test – The Oval, London (17–21 June)
Third Test – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (25–29 June)
For cricket fans, June offers a packed calendar and the chance to watch some of the world's best players competing in one of the sport's oldest and most respected formats.
Why Test Cricket Still Matters
In an era dominated by T20 leagues and short-form entertainment, Test cricket remains the ultimate examination of skill, patience and endurance.
Five days.
Two innings per side.
Countless tactical battles.
There is nothing quite like it.
The return of England vs New Zealand at Lord's is a reminder that while cricket continues to evolve, the traditional format still produces some of the sport's most memorable moments.
And there are few better places to experience it than Lord's on a summer afternoon.
Final Thoughts
The English cricket summer officially begins this Thursday, and it begins in style.
England vs New Zealand at Lord's promises world-class players, a historic venue and five days of high-quality Test cricket. Whether you're attending in person, following from home or simply curious about one of London's biggest sporting events this month, this is a fixture worth paying attention to.
Cricket is back at Lord's.
And for fans of the game, summer has officially arrived.