CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — England won the toss and chose to bowl against New Zealand on Thursday on the first day of the first test at Hagley Oval. The Black Caps come into the series following their 3-0 series win at India. They were the first team to sweep India in a home series of three tests or more.

(Reuters) - England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening match of a three-test series against New Zealand at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Thursday. His decision was unsurprising given the tinge of green on the wicket on a warm and sunny day in the south island of New Zealand.

England are set to face hosts New Zealand in the first of a three-Test series. The match will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, starting on November 28. However, the Kiwis would be high on confidence after sealing a historic 3-0 away Test series triumph against India.