NZ vs AUS 1st Test | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

NZ will take on AUS in 1st Test on Thursday [X.com]

On Thursday, the Trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand will take on each other in the first Test of the much-anticipated two-match series. The high-voltage clash will be played at the iconic Basin Reserve in Wellington. 

NZ vs AUS 1st Test: Team Previews

New Zealand

Led by Tim Southee, New Zealand recently recorded a historic two-nil series win over South Africa on home soil. While the Proteas had an inexperienced side, the BlackCaps outclassed them across departments to secure a memorable clean-sweep. 

Moving on to this series, the Kiwis will be reliant on Kane Williamson, who is in scintillating form, having slammed seven tons in his last seven matches. 

Barring Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra will be the players to watch out for from the hosts' side, as they have been incredibly consistent across formats. 

The lethal duo of Tim Southee and Matt Henry will lead New Zealand's bowling unit, supported by youngster William O'Rourke and prominent allrounder Mitchell Santner. 

Australia

Steve Smith will open the batting for Australia [X.com]

On the other hand, the Aussies showcased their dominance during the summer, thrashing Pakistan by three-nil on home soil. 

Their batting unit looks rock-solid, comprising some genuine match-winners Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. 

Furthermore, the grit of Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey will be crucial, as they are capable of resurrecting the innings in case of a top-order collapse. 

Cameron Green will play as the first-choice all-rounder, with the experienced quartet of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon shouldering the bowling department. 

NZ vs AUS 1st Test: Match Details & Live Streaming

NZ vs AUS 1st Test: Wellington Pitch Report

The conditions at Wellington will likely be seam-friendly, offering significant assistance to the fast bowlers, particularly with the new ball. 

However, with the sun beating out, the pitch will flatten, with the batters finding it easier to score. Historically, it has been a happy-hunting venue for the teams batting second. So, unless the wicket is extremely flat, the toss-winner is expected to field first. 

NZ vs AUS 1st Test: Probable Playing XIs

Australia have confirmed their playing XI, while Devon Conway will miss this game for New Zealand due to injury. So, Will Young will likely open alongside Tom Latham, with Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell and Tom Blundell batting in the middle order. 

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (C), William O'Rourke, Matt Henry

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

NZ vs AUS 1st Test: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

NZ vs AUS 1st Test: Winner Prediction

Considering the strength of both teams, we reckon Australia will emerge victorious in this match. 

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