NZ vs ENG, 1st Test: Match Preview, Probable XI, Live Streaming, Fantasy Tips
Stokes and Southee with the trophy [Twitter]
The wait is almost over. Two powerhouses are set to collide as hosts New Zealand will go toe-to-toe against arguably the best Test team at the moment, England in a two-match Test series, from February 16.
Prior to the series, New Zealand have been jolted with injuries to key players, which could hamper their chances against the visitors. Not only injuries, but the unwanted guest in the form of cyclone Gabrielle has disrupted the practice sessions.
Kyle Jamieson, who made his long awaited return to the Black Caps squad, was ruled out of the Test series due to a relapse of his back injury, which kept him out for almost nine months. Matt Henry is expecting the birth of his child, and won't be available for the series.
As a result, it is likely that Blair Tickner will make his Test debut and will play alongside Tim Southee and Neil Wagner. The 2021-23 WTC cycle has not been kind for the home team. New Zealand are tottering at the eight position, just above Bangladesh.
Having already been out of the race to qualify for the WTC finals, the series provides a perfect opportunity to test their bench strength.
Talking about England, they have hardly put a foot wrong ever-since Brendon McCullum took over as their Test coach. The duo of McCullum-Stokes has done wonders for the visitors, as they have won their last 9 Test matches out of the possible 10, and have re-invented their style of play.
England have already announced their playing XI, with Stuart Broad coming back into the side. He will pair up alongside Jimmy Anderson and Ollie Robinson. The batting unit remains the same that won the series against Pakistan in December, last year.
With the kind of form England are in at the moment, don't be surprised if they clean sweep yet another series.
Match Details
Date and Time: February 16, 6:30 AM IST
Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Live Streaming: Amazon Prime
Pitch Report
If the wicket stays true to its nature, the batters will have a tough outing. Generally the breeze blowing will help the fast bowlers, and the batters will find it difficult in the initial going. There is always an even covering of grass which will tempt both the sides to go pace heavy.
Probable XI
NZ: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Neil Wagner, Blair Tickner, Tim Southee ©, Ajaz Patel
ENG: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes ©, Ben Foakes (wk), Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Keeper: Ollie Pope
Batters: Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Harry Brook, Joe Root
All-Rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Ben Stokes
Bowlers: Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, James Anderson, Stuart Broad
Captain: Kane Williamson
Vice-Captain: Joe Root
Prediction
Let's be really honest, England start as the heavy favourites for the series. For the last 10 months, they have played some outstanding cricket and have gone past every opponent with utmost ease. Expect the visitors to clean sweep the series.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
