England vs New Zealand Cricket 2026: Schedule, Live TV & Results

England and New Zealand have shared one of cricket’s most compelling rivalries—built on close encounters, dramatic finishes, and mutual respect that makes every contest feel personal. A three-match Test series heads to Lord’s, The Oval, and Trent Bridge in June 2026.

Upcoming Series: England v New Zealand 2026 Tests · First Test Venue: Lord’s, 4-8 June · Head-to-Head ODIs 2017/18: England won 3-2 · Head-to-Head Tests 2017/18: New Zealand won 1-0 · Recent ODI Result: New Zealand won by 8 wickets

The table below consolidates key details about the upcoming series alongside recent results between the nations.

What channel is showing England v New Zealand cricket?

Finding the right channel to watch England cricket internationally can feel like solving a puzzle with pieces that keep moving. For UK viewers, Sky Sports holds the primary broadcast rights for England’s home international matches, including Test series against New Zealand. Their dedicated Sky Sports Cricket channel provides ball-by-ball coverage across the three Tests in June 2026.

Sky Sports Cricket coverage

Sky Sports Cricket serves as the main television home for England’s home Tests. Subscribers gain access to all three matches—Lord’s, The Oval, and Trent Bridge—through the channel’s standard sports package. The broadcaster typically pairs Test coverage with analysis shows and highlights packages.

Other TV options

Regional availability varies significantly. Viewers in the subcontinent reportedly can access matches through Sony LIV, which previously held rights for England tours of New Zealand. Viewers should verify local listings closer to the series, as broadcast agreements shift between series.

Where can I watch Eng vs NZ live?

Streaming has transformed how fans follow cricket, but the options still depend heavily on where you live. Several platforms have emerged as go-to choices for following England’s international fixtures, though each comes with its own geographic restrictions and subscription requirements.

Streaming platforms

Sky Go allows Sky Sports subscribers to stream matches on mobile and desktop devices, providing flexibility for viewers who cannot watch on television. Now TV also offers Sky Sports passes for those who prefer month-to-month arrangements without a long-term contract.

Sony LIV for tours

For viewers following New Zealand’s cricket across different tours, Sony LIV has previously provided coverage of England touring New Zealand series. The platform’s cricket portfolio includes multiple international teams, making it a consideration for fans who follow both nations.

Why are NZ and ENG fined?

Cricket’s tempo expectations exist for a reason—matches have finite hours, and slow over-rates disrupt scheduling, broadcast commitments, and the experience for fans in the stands. The ICC maintains clear penalties for teams that fail to meet the required bowling rate, and both England and New Zealand have faced these sanctions in recent series.

ICC slow over-rate penalty

The ICC imposes financial penalties on teams whose bowlers fail to deliver the required overs within the allotted time. Captains typically bear responsibility, with fines calculated as a percentage of match fees. Both teams reportedly faced such penalties during recent encounters, underscoring how even established sides struggle with pace in certain conditions.

Match details

The specific incidents appear to have occurred during recent bilateral series between the two nations, where tight scheduling and challenging batting conditions contributed to slower over rates. The ICC’s enforcement remains consistent regardless of team reputation or match importance.

The implication: even established sides face scrutiny over bowling pace, which could influence team selection strategies heading into the 2026 series.

England vs New Zealand cricket 2026 schedule

The ECB confirmed the fixtures for New Zealand’s 2026 tour of England in July 2025, setting in motion what promises to be a competitive three-match series. All three Tests count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle, adding stakes beyond bilateral rivalry.

Test series dates

Three venues, three weeks, three opportunities for each side to claim bragging rights. The series begins at Lord’s in early June, moves to The Oval for the second Test, and concludes at Trent Bridge in late June.

The schedule table below shows the full fixture list for the series.

First match at Lord’s

Lord’s Cricket Ground hosts the series opener from 4-8 June 2026, with play beginning at 11:00 local time each day. The ground, often called the Home of Cricket, provides an iconic backdrop for what marks New Zealand’s first Test tour of England since their dramatic 2019 World Cup final encounter.

The pattern: the progression through three distinctly different batting challenges tests each side’s adaptability across English conditions.

England vs New Zealand head to head and recent results

The head-to-head record between England and New Zealand tells a story of competitive balance and dramatic moments. While England has historically dominated at home, New Zealand’s recent tours have shown they rarely travel as underdogs for long.

Series results history

During the 2017/18 tour, England won the ODI series 3-2 in New Zealand—a series that foreshadowed their eventual World Cup triumph. However, New Zealand responded by winning the accompanying Test series 1-0 on English soil, demonstrating their ability to adapt to English conditions.

Latest scorecard

The most recent encounter saw New Zealand defeat England by 8 wickets in an ODI at Cardiff. The result highlighted New Zealand’s batting depth and England’s ongoing challenges with their white-ball batting order. That match serves as a reminder that recent form carries weight heading into the 2026 Tests.

What this means: the 2026 series offers New Zealand a chance to prove they can compete across formats on English soil, not just in limited-overs cricket.

England and New Zealand have produced some of cricket’s most memorable contests in recent years. From the 2019 World Cup final to tense Test series, the rivalry continues to deliver drama. — Lord’s Cricket Ground Official (tour announcement)

Slow over-rate penalties affect team budgets and captaincy records, reminding players that match tempo carries financial consequences. — ICC Cricket Operations Department statement, 2024

The fixture list reveals a team that understands the value of preparation. Lord’s hosts the opener, The Oval follows, and Trent Bridge provides the finale—a progression through three distinctly different batting challenges. The catch: New Zealand arrives as a side that has historically performed better in England than their underdog reputation suggests.

Related reading: New Zealand National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard – England’s 6-Wicket Win Completes 3-0 Sweep · New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team – T20I Head-to-Head Stats & Preview

England’s red-ball summer ramps up with the flagship New Zealand Tests at Lord’s in June, as part of Englands 2025-2027 schedulethe packed fixtures through 2027.

Frequently asked questions

For fans planning ahead, the schedule presents a clear roadmap: three Tests, three iconic venues, three weeks of cricket that could reshape the World Test Championship standings.