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England stick with winning formula for first Test

15/05/2008

England head coach Peter Moores has opted for an unchanged side ahead of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's today.

The XI, which features Yorkshire seamer Matthew Hoggard as 12th man, is the same team that won the third and final Test of the return series against the Black Caps in March.

"It is going to be the same team that won our last Test in Napier," captain Michael Vaughan revealed.

"Hopefully it will be a similar performance and a similar result."

All-rounder Paul Collingwood had been a doubt for the match because of a shoulder injury he suffered while on County Championship duty with Durham.

However, he has been passed fit after a third painkilling injection in the joint.

The batting order is yet to be finalised and media speculation suggests Andrew Strauss, who batted at number three in Napier, could be moved up to opener alongside fellow left-hander Alastair Cook.

This would mean captain Michael Vaughan dropping a place to number three, where he has played previously in his career with mixed results.

The middle order are likely to remain unchanged, with Kevin Pietersen batting at four; Ian Bell at five; Collingwood at six; and wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose playing at number seven.

The bowling attack sees Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson retained as seamers, with Monty Panesar the spin option on what is expected to be a relatively flat track at Lord's.

Early morning rain in the London area may mean the start of the Test is delayed.

Full England team for first Test:

Michael Vaughan (captain)
Alastair Cook
Andrew Strauss
Kevin Pietersen
Ian Bell
Paul Collingwood
Tim Ambrose (wicketkeeper)
Stuart Broad
Ryan Sidebottom
James Anderson
Monty Panesar

12th man: Matthew Hoggard