The remaining part of the 2024-25 home schedule, including matches against Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, will be revealed at a later date.
Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton have been selected as the venues for New Zealand‘s three-match Test series against England in late 2024. NZC has announced the dates in advance of the rest of the home schedule, citing local interest and anticipated demand from visiting supporters.
The series will kick off with the first Test at Hagley Oval on November 28, followed by the second at the Basin Reserve starting from December 6, and concluding with the third at Seddon Park on December 14. These matches are significant as they contribute to the World Test Championship.
Previously, England, under the coaching of former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, toured for two Tests in February 2023, which were not part of the WTC. New Zealand clinched a thrilling one-run victory in the second Test to draw the series level.
NZC mentioned that they carefully chose where the Tests will be played, expecting lots of English fans to come. They also noted that during the matches between New Zealand and Australia last month, almost all the tickets were sold out.
“In the past, there’s often been a lot of talk in New Zealand about the popularity of Test cricket – without that translating into ticket sales or viewership numbers,” NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said.
“The difference over the past summer, and in terms of the upcoming Tests against England, is that the interest is being converted to bums on seats and is driving record viewership numbers.”
“We’re looking forward to that continuing over the upcoming summer, and to welcoming the England team and their fans to the Tests, and of course all the Kiwi-based supporters as well.”
New Zealand secured a one-run victory over the opposing team in Wellington last year
New Zealand will only play three home Tests against England next season. Before that, they have several away games, starting with a single match against Afghanistan, then two matches in Sri Lanka, and finally, three matches in India from September to October.
In the following season, according to the FTP, New Zealand is scheduled to host only two home Tests in 2025-26, with the West Indies being the visiting team. The rest of New Zealand’s 2024-25 international home season schedule will be announced later this year. The Australia and Sri Lanka women’s teams, as well as the Sri Lanka and Pakistan men’s teams, are set to visit.
The Australia women’s team is expected to tour before Christmas for three ODIs. As per the men’s FTP, Sri Lanka is slated to play three ODIs and three T20Is from late December 2024, followed by Pakistan’s visit for another three ODIs and three T20Is in late January.
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