NZ vs AUS: 2nd Test Match Top Captain, Vice-captain Picks & Player Stats

Glenn Phillips can be a beneficial choice as the captain or vice-captain for the match (Source: x.com)Glenn Phillips can be a beneficial choice as the captain or vice-captain for the match (Source: x.com)

After beating Tim Southee's New Zealand (NZ) in the first Test match by a big margin of 172 runs at Basin Reserve in Wellington, Pat Cummins's Australia (AUS) now lock horns with them in the second and final game of the series. The encounter is all set to be played on Friday, March 08th, 2024, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch at 3:30 AM IST. 


NZ vs AUS - Important Player Picks (Top 5 Players)

Players
Series Stats
Average Fantasy Points
Glenn Phillips72 Runs and 5 Wickets in Match181
Rachin Ravindra59 Runs and 1 Wicket in 1 Match105
Matt Henry56 Runs and 8 Wickets in 1 Match227
Cameron Green208 Runs and 1 Wicket in 1 Match290
Nathan Lyon10 Wickets in 1 Match245


NZ vs AUS - Toss Factor

The surface at Hagley Oval offers help to the batters, allowing them to play their shots freely once settled. However, seam bowlers can find success by hitting the right areas. Teams batting first have won more games than chasing sides.

Scenario: If New Zealand win the toss

Sides batting second have managed to win more matches than teams batting first at the Hagley Oval in Test cricket. If Tim Southee wins the toss, he will look to field first and exploit the conditions early. The skipper will be playing in his landmark 100th Test match. He along with Matt Henry will be crucial in picking up early wickets for the Kiwis. The batting will rely on Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra and the in-form Glenn Phillips.

Scenario: If Australia win the toss

Considering the past results, Pat Cummins may also opt to bowl first and bundle out the New Zealanders early. Spin bowler Nathan Lyon has been in solid form as he picked up ten wickets in the Wellington game. The pace bowlers along with Lyon would hope to dismiss the Kiwis on a low total.


NZ vs AUS - Top Captain and Vice Captain Picks

Scenario: If New Zealand Bat First

Glenn Phillips - Glenn Phillips was the lone warrior for the Kiwis in the Wellington Test. Batting at no. seven, the explosive right-handed batter struck 71 off just 70 which includes 13 fours. He has become an all-format player for the BlackCaps in recent times with his consistent performances. The part-timer also managed to pick up a five-wicket haul in the opening game. He is a must pick for this category.


Rachin Ravindra has been in good form with the bat in the oldest format (Source: x.com)Rachin Ravindra has been in good form with the bat in the oldest format (Source: x.com)

Rachin Ravindra - Young Kiwi sensation Rachin Ravindra also smashed a half-century in the first match. The left-handed batter scored 59 off 105 in the second innings. After his heroics in the World Cup 2023, Ravindra has become the talk of the town. The 24-year old is living upto the expectations which was visible by his fifty against the Aussies in Wellington.

Scenario: If Australia Bat First

Cameron Green - Cameron Green won the Player of the Match award in the series opener for his magnificent knock that he played in the first innings. Batting at no. four, the tall right-hander slammed an unbeaten 174 off 275 with 23 fours and five maximums. Green also amassed 34 off 80 in the second innings. He is the man-in-form and a must pick for this game.


Usman Khawaja could be a game-changing choice for the match (Source: x.com)Usman Khawaja could be a game-changing choice for the match (Source: x.com)

Usman Khawaja - Experienced campaigner Usman Khawaja got starts in each innings at Wellington. The left-handed opening batter scored 33 off 118 in the first and 28 off 69 in the second innings. The 37-year old will look to convert his starts into a substantial knock this time around.


NZ vs AUS - High Risk, High Reward

Kane Williamson (NZ) - Former Test skipper and one of the modern greats, Kane Williamson bagged two single-digit scores in the first match. The right-hander was unfortunately run-out in the first innings and then was caught at leg slip in the second. The 33-year old is a world class and renowned batter in any format of the game. A big knock is just around the corner for classy Kane.

Mitchell Marsh (AUS) - The destructive lower-order batter Mitchell Marsh smashed 40 off just 39 which included six fours and a maximum in the first innings in Wellington. Though he was out for a golden duck in the second innings, the tall right-handed player is a worthy pick for this category.


NZ vs AUS - Stay Aways

Tom Latham (NZ) - Tom Latham also bagged two single-digit scores. The left-handed opening player is out of form and could well be avoided for this contest. Latham has four single-digit scores in his last five innings played against the Kangaroos. Latham also averages only 24 against the Trans-Tasman rivals in this format.

Marnus Labuschagne (AUS) - Marnus Labuschagne is going through a lean patch at the moment. The right-handed player has all low scores in his last six Test innings. His scores read as 2, 1, 5, 3, 1* and 10. The 29-year old is looking horribly out of form and based on his recent performances, he should clearly be excluded.