England and New Zealand have shared a long and fascinating history in Test cricket. Their rivalry began in 1930, when New Zealand played its first-ever Test match against England at Christchurch. More than nine decades later, the two teams continue to produce competitive and memorable Test cricket.England vs New Zealand Head-to-Head in Test
England have historically dominated the overall head-to-head record. Through the end of the 2026 Test series, England and New Zealand had played 118 Tests. England have won 55, New Zealand have won 16, while 47 matches have ended in draws. There has been no tied Test between the teams.
Despite England’s statistical advantage, New Zealand have become increasingly competitive in modern Test cricket. Their famous one-run victory over England in Wellington in 2023 and their strong performances in recent years show how closely matched the teams can be.
England vs New Zealand Test Head-to-Head Record
| Category | England | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tests Played | 118 | 118 |
| Wins | 55 | 16 |
| Losses | 16 | 55 |
| Draws | 47 | 47 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| First Test | 1930 | 1930 |
England’s 55 victories give them a substantial advantage in the overall rivalry. New Zealand’s 16 wins, however, include some historic performances, particularly in the modern era.England vs New Zealand Head-to-Head in Test
Early History of the Rivalry
England and New Zealand first met in Test cricket in January 1930 at Christchurch. New Zealand became the fifth country to play Test cricket, and England were their first opponent.
During the early decades, England controlled the rivalry. New Zealand had to wait until 1956 to record their first Test victory, when they defeated the West Indies rather than England. Their first Test win over England came later in their cricketing development.
England’s greater experience and depth made them difficult opponents for New Zealand during much of the 20th century. However, New Zealand gradually established itself as a highly competitive Test nation.
England’s Dominance
England’s success has been built around several generations of outstanding players, including Wally Hammond, Len Hutton, Ian Botham, Graham Gooch, Alastair Cook, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and James Anderson.
The team has also traditionally benefited from strong home conditions. Swing bowling, seam movement and overcast weather have often helped England’s fast bowlers, while their batting line-ups have produced some enormous totals.
The Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians records England’s highest team total against New Zealand as 593/6 declared, scored at Eden Park in Auckland during the 1974–75 series.
New Zealand’s Rise
Martin Crowe, Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee helped establish New Zealand as a respected Test side.
The introduction of the ICC World Test Championship also gave the rivalry additional importance. New Zealand’s victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final against India in 2021 confirmed their status as one of the world’s leading Test teams.
Against England, New Zealand have produced some particularly memorable performances.
One of the most famous came in February 2023, when New Zealand defeated England by just one run at Wellington. England appeared to be in control of the match before New Zealand staged a dramatic comeback. The result became one of the closest finishes in Test cricket history.
Recent Test Series
In the 2022 Test series in England, England won the three-match series 3-0. The hosts played aggressive cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum and produced a number of remarkable run chases.
New Zealand responded strongly during the 2022–23 tour. England won the first Test at Mount Maunganui by 267 runs, but New Zealand fought back in Wellington to win by one run. The series finished 1-1.
The teams met again in New Zealand in late 2024. England won the first Test in Christchurch by eight wickets and the second in Wellington by 323 runs. New Zealand avoided a clean sweep by winning the third Test in Hamilton by 423 runs. England therefore won the three-match series 2-1.
2026 Test Series
England and New Zealand met again in a three-match Test series in England in June 2026.
England won the first Test at Lord’s by 115 runs. New Zealand then responded strongly, winning the second Test by 253 runs. The visitors also won the third Test at Nottingham by 160 runs, completing a 2-1 series victory.
The 2026 series was significant because New Zealand won two consecutive Tests after losing the opening match. It demonstrated that the historical head-to-head numbers do not necessarily reflect the competitiveness of the modern teams.
Highest Individual Scores
The England-New Zealand rivalry has produced some extraordinary individual batting performances.
England’s highest individual score against New Zealand is 336 not out by Wally Hammond, scored at Eden Park in Auckland during the 1932–33 series. Hammond’s monumental innings remains one of the greatest individual performances in the history of the fixture.
Other outstanding England performances include John Edrich’s 310 not out at Headingley in 1965 and Joe Root’s 248 at Wellington in the 2022–23 series.
For New Zealand, Tom Latham and other modern batters have produced major innings, while Daryl Mitchell scored 190 and 62 not out in the same Test at Nottingham in 2022, giving him a match aggregate of 252 against England.
Joe Root and Modern England
Joe Root has become one of the most important modern players in this rivalry. His ability to score heavily in Test cricket has made him a constant threat to New Zealand.
Root scored 248 against New Zealand at Wellington in February 2023. He also scored 226 against New Zealand at Hamilton in 2019–20.
His consistency has helped England maintain a strong batting unit during the modern era.
New Zealand’s Key Batters
New Zealand have also produced some outstanding Test batsmen against England.
Kane Williamson has been one of the most reliable batters of his generation. His technique, patience and ability to build long innings have made him a central figure in New Zealand’s success.
Other important New Zealand batters have included Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum, Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell.
Daryl Mitchell’s 2022 performance at Nottingham was particularly impressive. He scored 190 in New Zealand’s first innings and 62 not out in the second, finishing with a match aggregate of 252.
Bowling Records
Fast bowling has traditionally been an important part of this rivalry.
England have produced legendary bowlers such as James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ian Botham. Their ability to exploit movement with the red ball has frequently troubled New Zealand’s batting line-up.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have produced world-class bowlers including Richard Hadlee, Chris Cairns, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner.
Richard Hadlee was particularly influential in the earlier years of New Zealand’s rise. His combination of pace, swing and accuracy helped transform New Zealand into a competitive Test team.
In the modern era, Southee and Boult became key members of New Zealand’s successful pace attack, while Wagner’s aggressive short-ball strategy provided another dimension.
England vs New Zealand at Home
England have traditionally been especially strong when playing New Zealand at home. Their home record includes 34 victories, according to current head-to-head data, while New Zealand have won eight Tests in England.
English conditions often provide seam movement early in an innings. Bowlers who can swing the ball at a good length can make batting difficult, particularly during the first session.
However, New Zealand have become much more comfortable playing in England. Their 2021 Test victory at Lord’s and other strong performances demonstrate their ability to compete away from home.
England vs New Zealand in New Zealand
New Zealand have enjoyed more success on home soil. Their conditions can be particularly helpful to their seam bowlers, with grounds such as the Basin Reserve, Hagley Oval and Seddon Park often producing assistance for pace and swing.
Even so, England have repeatedly won Test matches in New Zealand. Their 2024–25 tour began with a victory at Christchurch before England won again in Wellington.
The changing results in New Zealand show that the modern rivalry is much more competitive than the overall historical statistics suggest.
Memorable Test Matches
Wellington 2023: New Zealand Won by One Run
The 2023 Wellington Test is arguably the most memorable recent match between the sides. New Zealand needed to take the final wicket while England were chasing a relatively modest target. England fell just one run short, giving New Zealand a dramatic victory.
Mount Maunganui 2023
England dominated the first Test of the 2022–23 series, winning by 267 runs. Their aggressive batting approach and attacking bowling created a decisive victory.
Hamilton 2024
New Zealand produced a spectacular response in the third Test of the 2024 series. They defeated England by 423 runs, avoiding a series whitewash.
Series Record
The historical series record also favors England. Before the 2024 series, England had won 24 of the 40 Test series between the teams, while New Zealand had won six and ten series had been drawn.
England’s dominance in series results is consistent with their overall match record, although New Zealand’s success has increased significantly in recent decades.
Why This Rivalry Is Special
The England-New Zealand Test rivalry is not simply about statistics. It combines traditional Test cricket with modern attacking strategies.
England have often brought aggressive batting and bold declarations, particularly since the beginning of the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era. New Zealand have generally combined disciplined batting with high-quality seam bowling.
The result is a contest in which momentum can change quickly. The 2023 one-run thriller is a perfect example of how unpredictable this rivalry can be.
Conclusion
The England vs New Zealand Test head-to-head record is strongly in England’s favor. After 118 Tests through June 2026, England have won 55 matches, New Zealand have won 16, and 47 have ended in draws.
England’s long-term dominance has been supported by legendary batsmen, world-class fast bowlers and strong home performances. New Zealand, however, have steadily reduced the gap and have produced some historic victories, including their famous one-run win at Wellington in 2023.
The 2026 series further demonstrated the competitiveness of the modern rivalry, with New Zealand winning the final two Tests after England took the opener. With stars from both sides continuing to shape Test cricket, England vs New Zealand remains a fascinating battle between two proud cricketing nations.
5 Q&A
1. How many Test matches have England and New Zealand played against each other?
England and New Zealand have played 118 Test matches against each other.
2. Which team has won more Tests between England and New Zealand?
England have the stronger overall record, with 55 Test victories, while New Zealand have won 16.
3. How many England vs New Zealand Tests have ended in a draw?
A total of 47 Tests have ended in draws between England and New Zealand.
4. What is the most famous England vs New Zealand Test match?
The 2023 Wellington Test is one of the most memorable. New Zealand defeated England by just one run in a dramatic finish.
5. Who scored England’s highest individual Test score against New Zealand?
Wally Hammond holds England’s highest individual score against New Zealand, scoring 336 not out at Eden Park in 1933.