England get their summer schedule under way on Wednesday in the first of two Tests against New Zealand, who return to Lord’s for the first time since their heartbreaking 2019 World Cup final defeat.

Both sides may be looking towards more tangible contests against India later this summer but this fixture at the Home of Cricket and a further one at Edgbaston next week are at the very least welcome hors d’oeuvres.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the topics of discussion.

“Absolute ecstasy for England; Agony, agony for New Zealand”

England won the 2019 World Cup after beating New Zealand in the final (Nick Potts/PA)
England won the 2019 World Cup after beating New Zealand in the final (Nick Potts/PA)

How important is this series?

England's attention is already drawn to regaining the Ashes - but that does not mean they will be overlooking New Zealand or India this summer (John Walton/PA)
England’s attention is already drawn to regaining the Ashes – but that does not mean they will be overlooking New Zealand or India this summer (John Walton/PA)

Balancing act

Ben Stokes' injury and the absence of several other all-rounders leaves England with a conundrum (Jon Super/PA)
Ben Stokes’ injury and the absence of several other all-rounders leaves England with a conundrum (Jon Super/PA)

England’s new faces

James Bracey seems set to make his England debut this week (Stu Forster/PA)
James Bracey seems set to make his England debut this week (Stu Forster/PA)

Jimmy on the verge of another milestone

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