YORKSHIRE assistant coach Rich Pyrah has hailed Kane Williamson’s leadership qualities as the club’s overseas batsman prepares to skipper New Zealand in their forthcoming two-Test series with England, starting in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Pyrah is full of praise for the Black Caps style of play and knows they will be no pushovers for Joe Root and co.

The series starts with a day/night pink ball clash at Auckland’s Eden Park at 1am UK time on Thursday.

"I think it's going to be just as hard as the Ashes," said the former White Rose all-rounder. "It's two well matched teams.

"It might suit our bowlers a bit more with some swing and seam, but it will still be a tough series."

While England come into the series on the back of a 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia either side of Christmas, New Zealand are riding the crest of a wave.

They have won three of their last four series, the latest being a 2-0 success against the West Indies at home in December.

It means Williamson's men currently sit fourth in the ICC's official rankings behind India, South Africa and Australia. They are one place above England.

"This last 12 months, they've been really good, and Kane leads them exceptionally," said Pyrah.

"I love the way New Zealand play. They play it hard and play attacking cricket. And Kane leads that. Hopefully he can bring some of that to us this year."

Ben Stokes is set to return after missing the Ashes, taking his place in the team alongside fellow all-rounder Moeen Ali, who will be desperate to prove a few people wrong after an incredibly disappointing Ashes.

Ali scored just 179 runs and took only five wickets, leading to questions over his place in the side.

However, one man who has no concerns over his capabilities to shine at the highest level is former Worcestershire team-mate Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

"I think how he's done over the last three years shows how good he is," said the Yorkshire star, who signed for the White Rose county last summer.

"He's had one poor winter, and I don't think it's an issue. He was gunning it at the end of our summer.

"I would expect him to bounce back. He's too good a cricketer not to.

"There were other batters who had poor series. It was just because Mo's the all-rounder and people go 'he's not batted great and not bowled great either'. It's highlighted much more.

"It won't be long before he's scoring hundreds and talking five-fors again."

After this week's Test, the series moves on to, and finishes in, Christchurch between March 30 and April 3.