Bowlers Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan were both recalled by England cricket selectors in a 12-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand following their respective recoveries from elbow surgery.
The national selector Geoff Miller urged the hosts to play to their potential when they face the Blackcaps in the two-Test series starting at Lord's on Thursday.
Alastair Cook's men encountered unexpected resistance during their recent series in New Zealand, where all three Tests were drawn.
And it was New Zealand who so nearly took the honours, coming within one wicket of victory in the third Test at Auckland two months ago only for England wicket-keeper Matt Prior to defy them with an unbeaten hundred.
While the Ashes series against Australia will be the centrepiece of this English season, Miller is adamant England did not underestimate New Zealand when they last met and certainly will not do so now.
He says the series will be a good opportunity for the players to show that they have learnt from the experience.
England first Test squad:
Alastair Cook (capt), Nick Compton, Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Jonathan Bairstow, Matt Prior (wkt), Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Steven Finn, Tim Bresnan
