NZ Vs ENG 2nd Test: Basin Reserve Wellington Pitch Report

Debashis Sarangi

Basin Reserve, Wellington [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]Basin Reserve, Wellington [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]

On Friday, New Zealand will cross swords against England in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series on home soil. Led by Tom Latham, New Zealand had a terrible start to the series, as the Englishmen drubbed them by eight wickets in the opening encounter at Hagley Oval. So, this game holds significant importance for the Blackcaps, giving them an opportunity to bounce back and restore parity in the series. 

England, on the other hand, were clinical across departments in Christchurch and would like to extend their winning streak. Although their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final are done and dusted, the visitors would want to capitalise on their form and confidence to ensure a historic series win. 

As the stage heats up for a cracking battle, let's see how the surface at Basin Reserve in Wellington will behave throughout the contest. 

Basin Reserve Wellington Stats And Records In Tests

Criterion
Data
Total Matches Played71
Matches won batting 1st16
Matches won bowling 1st29
Average runs in 1st innings315
Average runs in 2nd innings310
Average runs in 3rd innings249
Average runs in 4th innings140


Basin Reserve Wellington Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The surface at Basin Reserve in Wellington will likely contain a decent covering of grass. The pitch sometimes becomes indistinguishable from the outfield, signifying the curator's tendency to prepare a green wicket for Test matches at this venue. 

So, if a similar surface is dished out, expect the fast bowlers to generate substantial seam movement and extra bounce on the first day. Also, wind plays a massive role in Wellington, so how the bowling teams use the wind's direction in their favour will be interesting to watch.

However, as the game progresses, the wicket's greenness fades away; its bounce becomes more trustworthy and helps the batters play their natural game. Therefore, the team batting first might witness slightly more challenging conditions than the team batting second. Expect the spinners to play a minimal role at this venue. 

Although the surface might seem bowling-friendly, the teams batting first have won three of the last five Tests in Wellington. So, if the sun is out, the toss-winning side must not hesitate to bat first. On the contrary, if the conditions are overcast, they might be tempted to bowl first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Basin Reserve Wellington

Kane Williamson

  • New Zealand's experienced batter Kane Williamson loves playing at home and looked sublime in the first Test. 
  • Williamson has struck 1497 Test runs at an average of 68.05 at this venue. So, considering his prolific numbers, we reckon he will be a key player for the home team. 

Harry Brook

  • England's promising batter Harry Brook has enjoyed stellar success in New Zealand. Statistically, Brook has been a force to reckon with the bat in the country, amassing 500 runs at a Bradman-esque average of 100. 
  • Also, given that he hammered a blistering ton in Christchurch, we expect Brook to emerge as England's go-to man with the bat. 

Tim Southee

  • New Zealand's premier fast bowler Tim Southee is hailed for his swing bowling. The right-arm pacer has scalped 61 wickets in Wellington and could be a threat to the English batting unit.