Five Players To Watch Out For In NZ vs AUS Test Series

New Zealand walloped South Africa 2-0 at home earlier in February (x.com)

Few cricketing rivalries evoke as much anticipation and excitement as that between age-old Antipodean rivals Australia and New Zealand. As they gear up for yet another captivating showdown, the backdrop of Australia’s resounding 3-0 victory in the T20I series adds an extra layer of intensity to their forthcoming two-Test encounter.

With crucial WTC 2023-25 points on the line, here is a glimpse into five players across both nations poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming Trans-Tasman Trophy.

Five Players To Watch Out For In NZ vs AUS 2024 Test Series:

1. Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson in action against South Africa (X.com)

Milestone man Kane Williamson seems to be pumping out centuries for fun off late. The cricketer has already pounded seven Test tons in his last seven matches, including three in his previous two outings against South Africa. He was also adjudged as New Zealand’s ‘Player of the Series’ in their 2-0 win against the Proteas at home earlier in February.

Kane Williamson in his last seven Test appearances:

2. Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood will be a key weapon for AUS (X.com)

Josh Hazlewood tore through Pakistan batting line-up at Perth and SCG to star in his team’s 3-0 triumph at home earlier this year. The Australian speed maverick also skittled out the visiting West Indies side twice at the Adelaide Oval to finish with sizzling figures of 9-79.

Hazlewood ended up collecting 25 wickets across five home Tests against Pakistan and West Indies, and will start off his country’s forthcoming Trans-Tasman challenge as one of the players to watch out for.

Josh Hazlewood in his last five Test appearances:

3. Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins against West Indies (X.com)

Australia’s 2023 World Cup winning captain Pat Cummins recently starred in his nation’s 3-0 win over Pakistan and also headlined their 10-wicket conquest over West Indies at the Adelaide Oval, all between December and January. Moreover, his 64* with the bat also came in handy against West Indies after Australia’s top-order collapse in Brisbane.

With 24 scalps in his last five Test outings, a charged-up Cummins will stride into the New Zealand series exuding much confidence and determination.

Pat Cummins bowling stats vs Pakistan and West Indies in 2023/24:

4. Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja in action against West Indies (X.com)

Australian batting legend Usman Khawaja was recently crowned as 2023’s Test Cricketer of the Year by the ICC. The seasoned opener topped the year’s run-scoring charts with 1,210 of them from just 24 innings at a splendid average of 52.6. Moreover, he also crafted handy runs against Pakistan at the SCG and against West Indies in Australia’s subsequent two-match Test series.

Usman Khawaja Test stats since January 2023:

5. Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra scored century vs SA  (x.com)

New Zealand batting dynamite Rachin Ravindra shot himself to unprecedented fame with a breakout World Cup run in India back in November 2023. With 578 runs, the 24-year-old finished the tournament as one of its highest aggregators.

Ravindra also belted his highest Test score with a match-winning 240 against South Africa earlier in February. The elegant left-handed batter listed 301 runs across four innings to star in New Zealand’s 2-0 series win at home.

Rachin Ravindra batting stats in South Africa Tests:

The first Test of the two-match series between Australia and hosts New Zealand will commence from February 29 onwards, and will be staged at the iconic Basin Reserve in Wellington.

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