NZ vs AUS: 1st Test Match Fantasy Predictions, Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks

AUS vs NZ, Test Series: Fantasy Tips for the First Test (Source: x.com)AUS vs NZ, Test Series: Fantasy Tips for the First Test (Source: x.com)

Australia (AUS) and New Zealand (NZ) are all set to take on each other in the first Test of the two-match series. The match will be played at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand on the 29th of February at 03:30 AM IST.

Before the match goes live, here is a look at the fantasy predictions, tips, pitch report, top picks and the best-predicted XIs for the fantasy contests of the match.


NZ vs AUS Head-to-head Stats

New Zealand and Australia have faced each other 60 times in Test cricket. Australia have won 34 of those whereas New Zealand have managed to win only eight times, with 18 ending in draws.

Matches
Australia Won
New Zealand Won
Drawn
No Result
60348180


NZ vs AUS Pitch Report

The wicket at the Basin Reserve will favour the batters. It is a firm strip with regular bounce, aiding the batters in playing their shots. However, there is a bit of grass on the wicket, suggesting an opportunity for seam bowlers to profit from early movement. The spinners might not gain too much from the wicket. After winning the toss, skippers tend to like batting first, but the ultimate choice may depend on the strategies used by each team.

Basin Reserve Ground Stats (Test Record)

Matches: 23
Matches won batting first: 10
Matches won batting second: 7

Average first innings score: 336
Average second innings score: 312
Average third innings score: 310
Average fourth innings score: 130
Highest Total: 680/8 by NZ vs IND

Fantasy Value from Pitch Report

  • Batters who can play seamers better will be good picks for the match.
  • Pick more batters from the team batting first. 
  • Pacers will get help with the new ball from this pitch. Selecting more pacers will be beneficial.


NZ vs AUS Fantasy Cricket Tips

Scenario 1: If Australia bat first

  • Steve Smith will likely continue to open the batting with Usman Khawaja after David Warner's retirement. So, try to keep both the opener for the fantasy contests of the match.
  • Cameron Green's all-round ability would be an important factor for Australia throughout the series.
  • Tim Southee, the New Zealand skipper, would be eyeing quick scalps to put Australia under early pressure.

Scenario 2: If New Zealand bat first

  • Blackcaps former skipper Kane Williamson’s success with the bat would be the key to the home side’s chances in this series.
  • Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra are the best all-rounders from their side. They can be rewarding in both part of the game and will be a excellent choice in the match.
  • Pat Cummins has the knack for picking up wickets at crucial stages and will be a great choice for the fantasy contests of the match.

NZ vs AUS Winner Predictions

Australia clean-swept the three-match T20I series, and the action now shifts to the longest format. New Zealand recently whitewashed the Proteas in the Test series at home and will be looking to gain some confidence from it while facing the Aussies. Australia look a well-settled unit; expect them to get an early lead in the series.


NZ vs AUS Top Player Picks

Steve Smith will be very important for Australia in the series (Source: x.com)Steve Smith will be very important for Australia in the series (Source: x.com)

Steve Smith (AUS)

The Aussie maverick will be opening the innings for the Australian team. If they bat first, then Steve Smith will be a very important pick in the fantasy contests. 

Usman Khawaja (AUS)

The left-handed opener is consistent run-scorer for the team. Khwaja can be a safe pick for the game. 

Pat Cummins (AUS)

The Aussie skipper has been a revelation in the Test format for the last 24 months. Pat Cummins can contribute effectively with both the bat and the ball.


Kane Williamson's form will be crucial to the home team's success in the series (Source: x.com)Kane Williamson's form will be crucial to the home team's success in the series (Source: x.com)

Kane Williamson (NZ)

The former Kiwi Test skipper is in a good touch with the bat. Kane Williamson's current batting form makes him a prime pick for the game. 

Tim Southee (NZ)

There will be a bit of help for the seamers with the new ball. Southee can be lethal with the new ball and hence can be a rewarding choice for the game.


NZ vs AUS Differential Picks

Travis Head (AUS)

Travis Head could not find form and score big in the previous Test series. But he can prove to be dangerous if he gets his touch back. This makes him a vital choice for the fantasy contests of the match

Rachin Ravindra (NZ)

Rachin Ravindra performed well in the last Test series against South Africa. He scored 240 runs in one innings and picked up six wickets in two matches. Keeping him in the fantasy XI can prove to be rewarding.


NZ vs AUS Fantasy Expert Advice

Looking at the squad strength of both the team and recent form, Australia are favourite to win this game. The best-suggested fantasy combination for this game is 2-3-3-3 or 1-4-2-4.


NZ vs AUS Fantasy Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues

Wicketkeepers: Tom Blundell, Alex Carey
Batters: Kane Williamson, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith
All-rounders: Cameron Green, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins

Captain: Steven Smith
Vice-captain: Kane Williamson

Australia: 6 Players; New Zealand; 5 Players


NZ vs AUS Fantasy Team for Winner Takes All/Grand Leagues

Wicketkeepers: Tom Blundell
Batters: Kane Williamson, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Will Young
All-rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Rachin Ravindra
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, William O’Rourke

Captain: Pat Cummins
Vice-captain: Rachin Ravindra

Australia: 5 Players; New Zealand; 6 Players