Can England beat New Zealand ?

Mail, what do you make of Root's appointment as vice-captain? Do you think this is more about grooming him to take over from Cook or signals that Bell's time in the team might be drawing to a close?

England named their 12-man squad to face New Zealand. Lyth, as expected, will open with Cook. Mark Wood's inclusion means that 2 of he, Jordan and Stokes will be picked in the final XI. The Guardian seems to think that Jordan will be the odd man out. Personally, I would go with Jordan and Wood and drop Stokes.

[quote author=Goog Lee link=topic=97526.msg636502#msg636502 date=1431012868]

Ketch and Kiwi fans, over and over again England has demonstrated that they take their game to a higher level when playing at home. 
[/quote]

** ahem **  ;D

New Zealand WINS by 199 runs 

no

New Zealand are popular, but they ought to be disappointed by this series. They should have won it 2-0. They're better on paper. Hands down.