Talking stops as England brace for Kiwi test

Cricket - West Indies v England - Third Test - Kensington Oval, Barbados - 3/5/15 England's Alastair Cook talks to the media after the match Action Images via Reuters / Jason O'Brien Livepic

LONDON (Reuters) - With a new cricket director, coach and chairman, England return to the field of play in the first test against New Zealand on Thursday following an extraordinary period of upheaval.

Alastair Cook leads his team into a huge summer of cricket which will be defined by the Ashes, but first up they must deal with a vibrant and confident New Zealand side in a two-test series.