<\/p>\n
L<\/span>ord\u2019s hosts its 150th Test match this week and, like its famous lunch menu, there are plenty of enticing options<\/a> as regards storylines. England are seeking redemption and refinement, apparently, following that god-awful Ashes winter<\/a>. New Zealand are both familiar opponents and a tricky first assignment.<\/p>\n There is at least one new face for England, with Emilio Gay confirmed to make his debut at opener after patience with Zak Crawley finally snapped. There is an old one too, with Ollie Robinson back from the cold and set to take the new ball after convincing the management that he is now a committed professional.<\/p>\n And for those worried about the future of the longest format \u2013 perhaps believing another 150 Tests at Lord\u2019s to be unlikely \u2013 fear not. The chairs and executives who make up the International Cricket<\/a> Council met in Ahmedabad over the weekend and, according to the press release, they are very much on the case.<\/p>\n The statement read: \u201cThe board expressed concern regarding growing expanse of franchise cricket and resolved to form a committee to assess harmonisation of franchise cricket with international calendar within the current structure.\u201d<\/p>\n Now the cynics might point to the fact that the horse has not so much bolted as disappeared over the horizon entirely. But no, here comes a committee ready to discuss how they might<\/em> shut the stable door. Naturally it will be made up of representatives from the boards that left it open in the first place.<\/p>\n This first Test is just the latest case in point. A sketchy weather forecast notwithstanding, it will no doubt be a great occasion<\/a> in St John\u2019s Wood \u2013 the first three days are nearly sold out, the fourth has only a few hundred tickets left. And why wouldn\u2019t it be? As Ben Stokes put it a day out from the toss, these two teams have served up some terrific cricket in recent times.<\/p>\n But it is also subtly compromised by dint of Jofra Archer\u2019s absence<\/a> for reasons that, despite a healthy central contract that was repeatedly renewed during those lengthy injury layoffs, are apparently beyond England\u2019s control.<\/p>\n Essentially, Archer\u2019s recent spell with Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League meant he was never going to be physically ready for a five-day Test. And so Stokes, a captain now stressing an urgency for wins after previously playing down their importance, starts the series without his premier fast bowler.<\/p>\n Then there is Jacob Bethell, who arrived back in the UK last week after his IPL stint at Royal Challengers Bangalore \u2013 a spell that saw him miss the first six rounds of the County Championship. Bethell eventually played a bit \u2013 seven outings for a top score of 27 \u2013 but he comes into this Test cold and nursing a finger injury.<\/p>\n Bethell will have doubtless learned plenty at RCB, with the franchise\u2019s head coach, Andy Flower, unquestionably the best in the business right now. Bethell is also a serious talent, whose maiden Test century in Sydney<\/a> in January had gnarled Aussies cooing and represented a genuine phoenix from the flames of England\u2019s bin-fire.<\/p>\n But while that talent may yet prevail, few can argue this was the optimum way for a 22-year-old to prepare for his first innings against a red ball in five months. It\u2019s an innings that will pit him against a notably potent seam attack in the wily Matt Henry and two giant quicks in Kyle Jamieson and Will O\u2019Rourke.<\/p>\n