(Reuters) - England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening match of a three-test series against New Zealand at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Thursday. His decision was unsurprising given the tinge of green on the wicket on a warm and sunny day in the south island of New Zealand.

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — England won the toss and chose to bowl against New Zealand on Thursday on the first day of the first test at Hagley Oval. The Black Caps come into the series following their 3-0 series win at India. They were the first team to sweep India in a home series of three tests or more.

England's Jacob Bethell will bat at number three for the first time in first-class cricket when he makes his test debut against New Zealand at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Thursday.

"Typically the wicket gets better and better here," said Ben Stokes, England's captain. "There's a nice covering a grass on it so hopefully, we can get something out of it with the new ball." He also confirmed a debut for Jacob Bethell,

England's seamers struck twice in the opening session to remove New Zealand's openers and reduce the hosts to 104 for two at lunch on the opening day of the first test in Christchurch on Thursday. Skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to send his bowlers out at Hagley Oval and got an almost immediate return when Gus Atkinson sent back Devon Conway,