ENG v NZ 2021: Williamson not thinking about 2019 World Cup final heartbreak ahead of stepping at Lord’s for 1st Test

The two-Test series between England and New Zealand will begin on June 2 at Lord's.

On the eve of the first Test against England, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has said that he is more concerned about the "fierce challenge" posed by the hosts rather than thinking about his team's record at Lord's.

See Also: Stuart Broad named Joe Root’s deputy for New Zealand Tests in Ben Stokes’ absence

While the Kiwis have won only one Test at Lord’s from 17 attempts, their last outing at the Home of Cricket was fairly heartbreaking.

Notably, it was the 2019 World Cup final, where England were declared winner over the BlackCaps on the basis of boundary count.

Recalling his team’s defeat in the World Cup final two years back, Williamson told reporters on Tuesday: “It was a fantastic game of cricket. It is a different side and there has been some time since that day.”

“Our focus is on the cricket we want to play as a Test side and there is certainly no thought of that. We were both part of a fantastic game that was deciding largely by things largely outside both of the teams' control," he added, referring to the freak extra runs England scored when a throw from Martin Guptill deflected off Ben Stokes' bat for a boundary.

Nevertheless, Williamson further stated: "You look back fondly and having that match played at a ground like Lord's I suppose adds to it.

"The guys are really excited to be back here. It is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to play at Lord's."

"Every time you get the opportunity to play here is a really special thing - 'the home of cricket' and for a few guys it is their first time at Lord's and they are certainly soaking it up. It is pretty cool, despite it being a bit unique with bubble life.

"It will be great to have crowds back," said Williamson as England set to allow spectators in the stadium for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commenting on New Zealand's Test record at Lord's, he said: "The thoughts aren't to those sorts of stats...they don't count for too much."

"We still know the challenge is a fierce one. England are incredibly clinical in their conditions and there are a number of things to look to adjust to in this part of the world. We're looking forward to that challenge," Williamson concluded.

(With AFP inputs)