Mark Nicholas and the team present the new season of international cricket as England continue their three-match Test series against New Zealand. Geoffrey Boycott, Barry Richards and Simon Hughes join Mark in the commentary box for highlights of the third Test from Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

England have only recently returned from New Zealand after completing a morale-boosting Test series victory. Now the fixture has been reversed as the Kiwis arrive for a three-match Test series and five ODIs. England will start as clear favourites as the Black Caps find themselves in a downward spiral, thanks to a few retirements and defections to the rogue Indian Cricket League. New Zealand’s hopes for the summer rest with their shrewd new captain Daniel Vettori, who ranks as one of the best off-spinners in the world; bludgeoning allrounder Jacob Oram; and wicket keeper Brendon McCullum, whose dazzling 158 not out lit up the start of the Indian Premier League in April.

Although England triumphed in New Zealand this winter, the side appears far from settled. At the time of writing, the batting line-up looks likely to be unchanged in personnel, but with skipper Michael Vaughan batting at three to allow Andrew Strauss to open with Alistair Cook. With Andrew Flintoff’s comeback date unclear following yet another injury, the bowling attack will be spearheaded by Ryan Sidebottom, with Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Matthew Hoggard jostling for places.

It promises to be an intriguing series – and one which Michael Vaughan will be expected to win convincingly. With the captain’s eyes fixed on the return of Australia next summer, anything less will force him to ask some serious questions about England’s ability to wrestle back the Ashes from their fierce rivals.