English cricket team in New Zealand in 2001–02

The England national cricket team toured New Zealand between February and April 2002 to play a five-match One Day International series against the New Zealand national cricket team, followed by a three-match Test series. New Zealand won the ODI series 3–2, while the Test series was drawn 1-1.^[1]

England's tour itinerary was announced in August 2001. It was reported that they would play a total of five ODIs and three Tests, and two first-class and List A fixtures each. The tour would commence on 8 February 2002 and end on 3 March. New Zealand would play England after a two-match home Test series against Bangladesh in December 2001.^[2] It was announced that all ODI matches would be day/night fixtures, and that they would begin at 2:00 p.m. (NZST).^[3] The venue of a first-class fixture against Otago was changed from Carisbrook, Dunedin, to Queenstown,^[4] due to clash over a Rugby Union match scheduled there on the same day, 2 March 2002.^[5]

England last toured New Zealand in 1996–97 and were victorious in the Test series, 2–0. The five-match ODI series was shared 2–2. The two teams' most recent meeting was in England in 1999 for a four-Test series. The visitors had taken the series 2–1.^[2] England entered New Zealand on the back of two consecutive ODI wins to level the ODI series 3–3 against India after being down 3–1, while the hosts were also in good form after having made the final of the triangular series in Australia.^[6] However, they lost the best-of-three final to South Africa 2–0.^[7] However, they had defeated world champions Australia in three out of four matches enroute to the final.^[8]

Going into the Test series, England and New Zealand were ranked fourth and fifth in the ICC Test Team Rankings.^[9] The Chief Executive of New Zealand Cricket Martin Snedden, on the allocation of Test matches to Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland stated that, "... was primarily influenced by the desire for a geographical spread which would provide as many New Zealanders as possible the opportunity to experience Test cricket firsthand." He added, "Other factors taken into account by the Board were pitch and playing surface quality; results achieved and player preference; financial returns; spectator, hospitality and media facilities; and accommodation requirements for tour groups, media, teams and officials."^[2]

The English selectors named a 16-member squad for both the India and New Zealand ODI series on 17 October 2001. Eleven members from the successful tour of Zimbabwe were retained. Five inclusions were Andrew Caddick, Darren Gough, Ashley Giles, Michael Vaughan and Craig White. They replaced Paul Grayson, James Kirtley, Mark Ramprakash, Ryan Sidebottom and Chris Silverwood. The selectors stated: "We have chosen this squad with a view to building a One-Day side for the next World Cup in South Africa and beyond."^[11] Craig White, who aggravated his knee injury during the Test series in India, was ruled out of the ODI series. His replacement was not named.^[14]

The New Zealand squad for the ODI series was named on 10 February. Two changes were made to the side that made the finals at the VB Series a week prior. Chris Nevin and Daryl Tuffey were recalled. Adam Parore, James Franklin, Scott Styris and Mark Richardson were dropped, while Dion Nash was ruled out due to an injury.^[10] Ian Butler was included in the squad ahead of the First ODI after Shane Bond was ruled out owing to a suspected stress fracture of his left ankle.^[15]

The English selectors announced a 16-member squad for England's India and New Zealand tour on 28 August 2001. The squad included two uncapped players: Essex wicket-keeper, James Foster, and Yorkshire off-spinner, Richard Dawson. Lancashire wicket-keeper Warren Hegg was recalled to the squad. The squad was depleted of paceman Darren Gough, who made himself unavailable for selection, and batsmen Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart, who had announced their retirement following the Ashes series.^[13] A squad was announced following the India series; all-rounder Andrew Flintoff replaced Robert Croft.^[16] After captain Nasser Hussain and Mark Butcher sustained injuries in the First Test, Warwickshire 19-year-old batsman Ian Bell was called in as cover.^[17]

The New Zealand squad for the Test series was announced on 8 March. Butler made the squad, replacing Bond. The other change from the side named for the Bangladesh series was Mathew Sinclair, who was left out.^[12] For the Second Test, Chris Harris and Daryl Tuffey were included in the squad. Andre Adams was ruled out because of a niggling shoulder injury.^[18]

• Tour page at ESPNcricinfo