Bethell's inclusion in the XI came on the back of some strong recent form during white-ball series against Australia and West Indies and will bat at No.3 on debut.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Bethell is relatively inexperienced against the red ball and has never made a first-class century, the 21-year-old did finish as England's second leading run-scorer during the 2022 edition of the ICC Men's Under 19 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies with 205 runs at an average of 34.16.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ollie Pope will keep wicket in the absence of Jordan Cox, who fractured his right thumb during practice last weekend in Queenstown, and will bat at six.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
All-rounder Ben Stokes will captain the side, with Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse making up the pace attack and the trio joined by spinner Shoaib Bashir in a strong bowling line-up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The first Test commences on Thursday, with the series then moving to Wellington and Hamilton for the final two Tests.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
All-rounder Ben Stokes will captain the side, with Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse making up the pace attack and the trio joined by spinner Shoaib Bashir in a strong bowling line-up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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