England begin their New Zealand tour after a long home summer and ahead of the Ashes, aiming to ease into the southern season with some relaxed cricket under the guidance of Brendon McCullum, Jeetan Patel, and Tim Southee. 

For New Zealand, the series offers packed stadiums and a chance to bounce back after their recent loss to Australia as they continue preparations for the T20 World Cup.

Mitch Santner returns from injury to captain New Zealand, joined by Rachin Ravindra, while Devon Conway and others sit out. England, led by Harry Brook, look to build momentum with limited T20I matches before the World Cup. 

Brook returns from a short break, and Jordan Cox replaces Will Jacks as finisher. With Sam Curran and Jacob Bethell in the top order, England balance three seamers and three spinners.

New Zealand XI: Seifert (wk), Ravindra, Robinson, Chapman, Mitchell, Bracewell, Neesham, Santner (capt), Jamieson, Henry, Duffy

England XI: Salt, Buttler (wk), Bethell, Brook (capt), Banton, Curran, Cox, Carse, Dawson, Rashid, Wood