The ECB are expected to pull England’s Test players out of the concluding stages of the Indian Premier League so they can prepare for the three-match series against New Zealand which kicks off the home summer. The series opener against New Zealand begins on June 2 at Lord’s and even though the dates for the IPL are yet to be officially confirmed, it is likely that the tournament will take place from March 27 until late May, just a few days before the first Test begins.