England's summer of international cricket begins with New Zealand at Lord's

England v New Zealand

1st Test Match, Lord's, 16-20 May

The summer's first home international cricket begins today (Thursday 16 May) at Lord's as England take on New Zealand in the first test of a two match series.

England enjoyed great success in India over the winter with their first test series victory there since 1984/85. However they stuttered somewhat in the test series in New Zealand, eventually drawing 0-0 after saving the first and third tests and narrowly failing to win the second.

If England underperformed in New Zealand, the Kiwis produced some of their best cricket under their recently appointed captain Brendon McCullum, despite missing one or two experienced players such as all-rounder and former skipper, Daniel Vettori.

Graeme Swann, England's talismanic spinner returns to the side having missed the entire series in New Zealand with injury. Kevin Pietersen will miss the series with injury.

With back to back Ashes series, home and away, to follow, England will be looking for a confidence boosting series win against the Black Caps.

Starting line-ups

ENGLAND - Cook, Compton, Trott, Bell, Root, Bairstow, Prior, Broad, Swann, Anderson, Finn

NEW ZEALAND Fulton, Rutherford, Williamson, Taylor, Brownlie, McCullum, Watling, Martin, Southee, Wagner, Boult

England won the toss and elected to bat. Start time: 11am.