New Zealand warm up for England Test series by thrashing Ireland

New Zealand warmed up for their three-Test series against England with a crushing innings-and-79-run victory over Ireland in a four-day game at Stormont.

The Black Caps will play Ben Stokes' side at Lord's from June 4 ahead of further games at The Kia Oval (from June 17) and Trent Bridge (from June 25), with every match live on Sky Sports.

New Zealand posted 490-8 declared in their sole innings in Belfast, with Rachin Ravindra (121) and Tom Blundell (186) hitting hundreds and Dean Foxcroft 98.

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Ireland were rolled for 179 in their first innings as seam-bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith claimed 6-40 and then dismissed for 232 following on to lose inside three days.

Blair Tickner did the bulk of the damage in the home side's second innings, snaring 5-76 including four of Ireland's top five and also the final wicket of No 11 Reuben Wilson.

New Zealand are the last away team to win a Test series in England, triumphing 1-0 back in 2021 after a drawn game at Lord's was followed by an eight-wicket success at Edgbaston.

The sides have met in three series since then, with England sweeping the Black Caps 3-0 at home in 2022 as they kicked off the Bazball era in style.

A two-Test contest in New Zealand in 2023 ended 1-1 after the hosts secured a thrilling one-run victory in Wellington, while England triumphed 2-1 on the road in late 2024.

Watch the first Test between England and New Zealand, at Lord's, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event from 10am on Thursday (11am first ball). Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW.