NZ vs AUS 1st Test: New Zealand is all set to lock horns with Australia in the first Test of a two-match Test series. Any fixture between New Zealand & Australia is of great interest to cricket fans as they are two top teams of World Cricket. This is the first time since COVID that Australia & New Zealand will lock horns in a Test series.
Coming to New Zealand they are best at home in Test format & defeating them in their backyard is a difficult task. They will target their fifth consecutive home Test win by winning the first Test. However, Australia is meant to give tough times to Black Caps which is visible from their head-to-heads. The last three Tests between the two teams were won by Australia by a margin of 279 runs, 247 runs, and 296 runs. They will aim to continue the head-to-head trend in this clash as well.
Teams Preview
New Zealand Preview:
The Black Caps enter the Test arena buoyed by their recent dominance against South Africa in the Test format. However, their spirits might have taken a slight hit following a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Australia in a recent T20I series. Led by former skipper Kane Williamson, who is in scintillating form with three centuries in his last four Test innings against South Africa, New Zealand will be eager to return to red-ball cricket. However, they will miss the services of Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner, with Jamieson sidelined for the rest of the home summer and Wagner announcing his international retirement. The onus will be on the likes of Will Young, Devon Conway, and captain Tim Southee to steer the team to victory.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:
- Will Young
- Devon Conway
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Tom Blundell (wk)
- Mitchell Santner
- Tim Southee (c)
- Matt Henry
- William O’Rourke
Australia Preview:
Australia, on the other hand, are no strangers to the Test arena’s demands but enter this match with a point to prove after a narrow defeat to West Indies in their last Test outing. The absence of David Warner adds an extra layer of challenge for the visitors, especially with Steve Smith likely to open the batting against New Zealand’s formidable bowling attack. However, with the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins firing on all cylinders, Australia remains a formidable force. The depth in their batting lineup, featuring the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja, further strengthens their resolve to clinch victory.
Australia Predicted Playing XI:
- Steven Smith
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Travis Head
- Cameron Green
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nathan Lyon
NZ vs AUS 1st Test: Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Basin Reserve in Wellington is expected to provide an enticing contest between bat and ball. While the pitch traditionally favors batsmen, a green tinge in the initial session suggests assistance for the seam bowlers. With fine weather forecast for the first four days before the likelihood of rain on Monday, both teams will aim to capitalize on favorable batting conditions. However, the presence of good pace and bounce could make life difficult for the batsmen.
Toss: To Bat:
Given the pitch’s tendency to hold up throughout a Test match in Wellington, both captains are likely to opt to bat first. Building a substantial first-innings total will be crucial in setting the tone for the match and exerting pressure on the opposition.
NZ vs AUS 1st Test: Winning Prediction
As the stage is set for a riveting battle between bat and ball, expectations are high for a closely contested match reminiscent of past encounters between these two cricketing giants. While New Zealand’s formidable home record and recent Test dominance make them strong contenders, Australia’s depth in both batting and bowling departments gives them the edge. Therefore, we predict a hard-fought victory for Australia in what promises to be an enthralling Test match.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding drama on the field, anticipation and excitement reach fever pitch, setting the stage for a memorable clash between two cricketing powerhouses.
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