Kane Williamson has said a Test at Lord’s always feels special, and this one may be his last at the ground because New Zealand have no confirmed Future Tours Programme dates in England beyond 2027.
A new arrangement with the MCC
The former Black Caps captain agreed a deal with the Marylebone Cricket Club in 2025. It involves playing for Middlesex and the London Spirit in The Hundred, both of whom are based at Lord’s. As part of it, he gave up his New Zealand central contract and will play this series without one.
Thoughts on the venue
Williamson said a player only gets a small number of chances to play at Lord’s over a career. He praised the way the ground preserves its traditions, mentioning the history, the walk through the Long Room, meeting members and the famous lunches. He also noted that several players in the New Zealand dressing room are visiting for the first time and are looking forward to it.
New Zealand’s previous Test there came in June 2022, when they lost by five wickets in a memorable game decided by a fourth-innings century from Joe Root.
Record at Lord’s
The 35-year-old has had mixed returns in London, averaging 32 across eight innings. He is, however, on the Lord’s Honours Board thanks to a fine 132 in 2015, scored in a defeat. Looking back, he said the pitch was good early on before overhead conditions and the Dukes ball changed things, which he described as a typical English challenge.
New Zealand squad
The touring party is led by Tom Latham and includes Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, among others.
