The recent test series against New Zealand may have allowed fans back into English cricket stadiums, but the strength of the touring side was enough to spoil the party – even in the Hollies stand – as England limped to a 1-0 defeat.

In the first test, the headlines were stolen by the debutant, Devon Conway, who racked up a mind-boggling 200 runs in the first innings alone. The fact that he was run out to end the last wicket stand was perhaps slightly anticlimactic, but being only the seventh man to reach a double hundred in his first innings set New Zealand off to a great start. Rory Burns’ response of 132 runs was also impressive, but a poor performance from the rest of the batters, besides Joe Root (42), meant that England trailed by 103 runs after the first innings.

Rain then characterised the test as the entire third day was lost, as well as shortening play on other days. Time eventually ran out for anything but a decisive win, as New Zealand declared for just 169-6 on the fourth day. With only a day to hang on, Dom Sibley (60*) put together a steady innings that secured a draw, but England’s decision not to pursue the run chase was disappointing for the returning fans.

All eyes, then, were on Edgbaston for the decisive match in the series. The two sides’ first innings were reminiscent of those at Lord’s, with Burns (81) and Conway (80) scoring very well. However, the additions of Will Young (82) and Ross Taylor (80) meant that the black caps established an 85-run lead going into the second innings. This, however, is when it all began to fall apart for the home side. Burns fell for a two-ball duck to set the tone for a poor innings that resulted in a measly 122 runs being added to the English total. Despite the early dismissal of Conway for just three runs, the result was beyond doubt as the Kiwis easily knocked off the 38 runs needed to secure the victory with eight wickets, and a day to spare. A disappointing loss for the English, and their first home series defeat since 2014.

The nature of this loss means that a positive outlook on England’s test schedule seems to be difficult to justify. The youthful team seemed to be a huge risk from the team selectors, and the fact that the side conceded a first-innings lead in both games, before being skittled for less than 150 runs at Edgbaston, is very worrying for the future. The lack of a spinner in either game may have played some part in the underwhelming bowling performance, but the weakness of the English batting line-up casts great doubt over the success of the team in the coming months. A five-match series with India in August is the only other opportunity to make the side gel before the Ashes in December, which could get embarrassing with a similar performance to that against New Zealand.

Australia’s last test series resulted in a loss against India, and they only have a solitary test against Afghanistan between now and the Ashes. The lack of playing time for the Australian side means that it is difficult to project their form come December, but without major improvements in the English camp, the Ashes could be one of the most one-sided in recent years. Considering England’s horrific record Down Under, that is no mean feat.

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