England secured the toss and picked batting first at Lord’s, with Ben Stokes returning after a brief absence.
New Zealand struggled early as their pace duo of Trent Henry and Neil Phillips missed the game due to latest fitness issues, testing their lineup against a refreshed England side.
The loss of their leading seamer Henry and Phillips, a rising star in the attack, left New Zealand with fewer bowling choices as England aimed to control the opening session under clear skies.