NZ vs AUS, 2nd Test | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Williamson will play his 100th Test (X.com)

New Zealand will host Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday from 3.30 AM IST onwards for the second and final Test matchup of the two-game series.

While Australia won the series opener with a thumping margin of 172 runs, the Kiwis will remain under pressure to level the series and save their pride.

NZ vs AUS 2nd Test: Team Previews

New Zealand

The ongoing Australia tour of New Zealand is a series to forget for the Kiwis. After getting hammered in the T20 series, the hosts suffered a humiliating defeat in the opening Test played in Wellington.

A batting collapse in both innings, followed by Kane Willimson's unfortunate run out, saw the hosts fall short of 172 runs in the 369-run chase.

Barring Glen Phillips and Rachin Ravindra's resistance, the Kiwis looked clueless against Australia's top-quality pace attack.

Regardless, moving on from the past, New Zealand will strive hard for a better result in Christchurch to make Williamson's 100th Test a memorable event. 

While the challenge is steep with the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon breathing down the Kiwi batters' throat, a tough contest is expected to play out at Hagley Oval.

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Australia

The invincible Australia unit led by Pat Cummins absolutely bossed the first Test against New Zealand. After Cameron Green's incredible 174-run knock, the Aussie pace unit dismantled the Kiwi by chipping in five wickets with mere 29 runs on board.

The Kiwis never recovered from the setbacks, and despite a strong come in the second innings, the hosts were left way behind in the chase.

That being said, the top order's lacklustre is a matter of concern for Cummins. Not every day, Green will rescue the Aussies out of the woods. Steve Smith, whose dismissals have been questionable this series, needs to take up responsibility alongside Usman Khawaja at the top.

Regardless, with the momentum on their side, Australia is poised to stake claim on the series and finish the tour undefeated.

NZ vs AUS 2nd Test: Match Details & Live Streaming

NZ vs AUS: Hagley Oval Pitch Report

The pitch at Hagley Oval typically offers a fair contest between bat and ball. However, weather conditions in the state will largely determine how the surface acts for fast bowlers. 

But overall, early seam and swing movement cannot be ruled out. Overcast conditions will further aid the bowlers. Regardless, chasing is never a good choice in Test cricket, and thus, batting first would be the captains' ideal pick, irrespective of conditions.

NZ vs AUS 2nd Test: Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Scott Kuggeleijn, Matt Henry, Tim Southee (c), William ORourke

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

NZ vs AUS 2nd Test: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

NZ vs AUS 2nd Test: Winner Prediction

With New Zealand's back against the wall, we expect Australia to win this contest and prolong the undefeated streak. But at the same time, a fitting fightback cannot be ruled out, as Kiwis won't give up that easily.

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