NZ vs AUS: 1st Test Match Top Captain, Vice-captain Picks & Player Stats

image-lt5izua2Kane Williamson will play a key role for the team in the Test series (Source: x.com)

The two-match Test series between New Zealand and Australia will begin on Wednesday February 29, 2024 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand. The action will then shift to Christchurch, where the Hagley Oval will host the second and final Test.

Australia were outstanding in the T20Is, whitewashing the Kiwis in the three-match series. They displayed a solid all-round performance to win the series and will be hoping to emulate the same performance in the Test series.


NZ vs AUS Important Player Stats (Top 5 Players)

Players
Test Career Stats
Steve Smith (AUS)9634 Runs and 19 Wickets in 107 Matches
Pat Cummins (AUS)1216 Runs and 263 Wickets in 60 Matches
Kane Williamson (NZ)8666 Runs and 30 Wickets in 98 Matches
Tim Southee (NZ)2064 Runs and 376 Wickets in 98 Matches
Rachin Ravindra (NZ)374 Runs and 9 Wickets in 5 Matches


NZ vs AUS - Toss Factor

The pitch at the Basin Reserve is a balanced one. There will be plenty of assistance to the bowlers in the early phase as the new ball tends to move a fair bit. The spinners won’t get much purchase from the surface. There will be runs on offer for batters once they get their eye in. Teams will prefer batting first as batting first sides have won more games at Basin Reserve. 

Scenario 1: If Australia win the toss

If Australia win the toss, they will look to bat first. In this case, the top-order batters of the team, like Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja and Travis Head, become critical picks. All-rounders like Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh will play an important part while batting first. 

New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee, William O’Rourke and Matt Henry will lead the new Zealand's bowling attack and would be eyeing quick scalps to put Australia under early pressure.

Scenario 2: If New Zealand win the toss

Tim Southee will also look to bat first on winning the toss. In this case, the top batters of the team, like Kane Williamson, Will Young and Tom Blundell/Tom Latham, become crucial picks. All-rounders like Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will play an important part while batting first. Australian seamers, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the Australian bowling attack.


NZ vs AUS- Top Captain and Vice Captain Picks

Scenario: If New Zealand Bat First

Kane Williamson (NZ): The former Kiwi Test skipper is in a good touch with the bat and his experience in this format makes him a ideal choice as the captain or vice-captain of the match.


image-lt5j2cp6Rachin Ravindra might be effective with both bat and ball (Source: x.com)

Rachin Ravindra (NZ): Rachin Ravindra's ability to score big runs and capacity of picking up wickets at crucial moments make him a an important choice

Scenario: If Australia Bat First

image-lt5j32h0Steve Smith's experience makes him a prime choice in the fantasy contests of the game (Source: x.com)

Steve Smith (AUS): The Australian opener looked in great touch in the Test format. If Australia bat first he will be looking forward to score big in the first innings. Steve Smith's ability and experience makes him a ideal choice as the captain or vice-captain of the match.

Pat Cummins (AUS): Pat Cummins ability to contribute effectively with both the bat and the ball and his current form makes him a great choice for  top C/VC option for this game irrespective of the toss.


NZ vs AUS- High Risk, High Reward

Travis Head (AUS): Travis Head can single-handedly change the games momentum if he plays in his own style. But in recent Test matches he has not been upto the mark. A batter like him is a risk worth taking in the fantasy contests of the match.


NZ vs AUS Stay Aways

Scott Kuggeleijn (NZ): New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn might not get selected in the Probable Playing XI and also he is not well experienced in Test cricket. You can avoid him in this game.