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NZ vs IND 2nd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs IND 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | New Zealand vs India 2nd Test Dream11 | NZ vs IND 2nd Test Key Players | Christchurch Pitch Report
India’s six-week-long tour of New Zealand, full of ups and downs, comes down this second and last Test match of the series.
The Blackcaps bounced back strongly after getting white-washed in the T20I series, winning the ODI series 3-0 and continuing the same form in the first Test match as well.
India, the no.1 Test side, were below average in the first Test, losing the match by 10 wickets. The mighty Indian batting flopped miserably as they were not able to even cross the 200 run mark in either innings.
The Indian side will look to forget the past performances and bounce back to level the series in Christchurch.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
- Ross Taylor is the highest run-scorer in NZ-IND Tests among active players with 792 runs from 13 matches at an average of 34.43.
- Virat Kohli is the highest for India and second-highest among active players with 756 runs at an average of 58.15 from eight games.
- However, Virat’s current form is a big concern for the visitors as he has passed 20 international innings without a century.
- Tom Latham has most runs at Hagley Oval: 475 runs in six games.
- Kane Williamson is the second-highest among current players with 328 runs from six games.
- Williamson also scored a well made 89 runs in the first Test after the early fall of the first wicket.
- Trent Boult has the most wickets at Hagley Oval with 37 wickets from six games.
- Ravi Ashwin is India’s highest-wicket taker vs NZ from the current squad with 48 wickets from six games. However, his lack of runs could mean Ravindra Jadeja gets a chance.
- Colin de Grandhomme has his career-best figures of 6/41 against Pakistan in Hagley Oval.
- Neil Wagner and Tim Southee have 23 and 32 wickets respectively from six games on this ground.
Stats and Facts
- This will be India’s first Test match at Hagley Oval.
- New Zealand has played six games on this ground, with four wins, one loss and one draw.
- Teams batting first have won only twice out of six games.
Key to a New Zealand win
New Zealand’s pace attack was superb in Wellington. Now, given they are likely to go with an all-seam attack in Christchurch, more of the same will be expected. Can they get the better of India’s top order again, including Virat Kohli?
Also, the likes of Tom Latham and Kane Williamson enjoy playing on this ground. So, if they can lead the way, the others can follow, which places further pressure on an India side that needs 20 wickets to win this game.
Key to an India win
India’s batting was the big let down in Wellington. Yes, losing the toss was tough luck, but their second innings performance on a good batting surface left a lot to be desired. The big questions in this Test is whether the openers can deal with the moving ball, as well as how well the “big 3” can perform.
Also, can India’s attack produce the goods as they did in 2019? They will be expected to lead the charge as India try to salvage the series, and pick up 60 WTC points along the way. Eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah in particular, in a tour where he hasn’t been at his best.
Team News and Possible Playing XI:
Neil Wagner is back after missing the first Test and is expected to replace Ajaz Patel in the XI. He’s blessed with a baby girl.
Possible Playing XI of NZ: 1. Tom Latham, 2. Tom Blundell, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Henry Nicholls, 6. BJ Watling (wk), 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Kyle Jamieson 10. Neil Wagner, 11. Trent Boult
Ishant Sharma is ruled out due to ankle injury and Umesh Yadav will replace him. Also, there is a good chance that Ravindra Jadeja will replace Ravi Ashwin in the XI.
Possible Playing XI of India: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. Mayank Agarwal, 3. Cheteshwar Pujara, 4. Virat Kohli (c), 5. Ajinkya Rahane, 6. Hanuma Vihari, 7. Rishabh Pant (wk), 8. Ravichandran Ashwin/Ravindra Jadeja, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Umesh Yadav, 11. Jasprit Bumrah
Hagley Oval Pitch Report and Conditions
The Hagley Oval track was a sea of green in the lead up to the Test. This wicket typically has pace and bounce, which is of assistance to the quicks. The wicket has green grass and is expected to flatten up from second day and will be easy for batting, so toss will be very crucial.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
Also read: Do you bet on the cricket? Some tips for you:
- The art of reading cricket odds: How to understand the odds
- How do bookmakers set the odds in cricket betting?
- Online betting: Key things to keep in mind
Match Prediction
India’s two biggest match winners, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, are not in their prime form now. However, you can’t keep big players like them quiet for long.
The Kiwis will have the home advantage and will look to play the same way as they did in Wellington. Like the first Test, the toss could play a vital role in this match.
It’s a very tough call to make but expect the world’s no.1 Test team to make a big response in this match.
Thanks for reading!
Written by Robin Rounder. Twitter: @robin_rounder
