New Zealand will meet India It continues as part of the three-match Test series that began on October 16 World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 period. Under the leadership of India Rohit SharmaWill look to build on their recent home success against Bangladesh. The three-Test series will begin on October 16 in Bengaluru, followed by the second Test in Pune on October 24 and the final Test in Mumbai from November 1. The series is played in India, where conditions often favor spin. New Zealand will look to make up for their lackluster performance if they cause serious trouble for the hosts.
New Zealand’s WTC history and challenges ahead
The Blackcaps defeated India in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) 2021 final at Lord’s but has struggled ever since. Their upcoming tour will be their second trip to India after that historic final. New Zealand lost the two-match series 1-0 in their last match in India in the 2021-23 WTC cycle. Moreover, New Zealand are yet to win a Test series in India with their last Test win on Indian soil in 1988. Currently, India tops WTC New Zealand, who are struggling in sixth place in the standings with a Percentage Point (PCT) of 74.24 and 37.50 PCT, will need a remarkable turnaround to keep their WTC finals hopes alive.
Failures for New Zealand before the series
New Zealand’s prospects, like their star batter, suffered a significant setback before the series opener. Kane Williamson He was sidelined due to a groin injury. Adding to the problem, the veteran pacer Tim Southee he left the captaincy, left the reins to himself Tom Lathamnow faces the daunting task of leading the side in one of the toughest venues for visiting teams. The pressure is on after New Zealand’s recent 2-0 series defeat Sri Lankathis makes the upcoming India tour even more critical for the side.
Also READ: BCCI announces Test squad for New Zealand series, names Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain
New Zealand’s best playing XI for Test series against India:
1. Devon Conway (opener, left-handed)
- Power: Conway is New Zealand’s most reliable player known for his adaptability and consistent run scores. He has solid technique to counter India’s quality pace and spin attacks.
- Role on Indian pitches: Conway’s strength against both pace and spin makes him a key player on slow Indian wickets. His ability to close shots will be crucial.
2. Will Young (Open, Right-Handed Fruit)
- Power: Young is a patient pro who is known for playing long shots. It complements Conway’s more aggressive style.
- Role on Indian pitches: The youngster’s temperament will be important on Indian pitches that offer variable bounce, especially in the early overs. He will be tasked with handling the new ball and building partnerships.
3. Tom Latham (c) (Left-handed Batsman, Wicketkeeper)
- Power: Latham is an experienced bowler and a reliable middle-order batsman. As captain, his leadership and goalkeeping skills are vital.
- Role on Indian pitches: Latham’s ability to play spin effectively will make him crucial in the middle innings. His tactical awareness will play a key role in fielding changes and bowling decisions.
4. Daryl Mitchell (Right-handed batsman, middle-right arm)
- Power: Mitchell is a strong medium-inclined and comfortable medium-pace bowler. His aggressive stroke play can change pace quickly.
- Role on Indian pitches: On Indian pitches, Mitchell’s ability to accelerate against spinners in the medium overs is essential. His medium pace can also be useful in breaking partnerships.
5. Glenn Phillips (Right-handed, out of rotation)
- Power: Phillips is an explosive medium bat with the ability to clear boundaries. His off-spin bowling provides an additional option.
- Role on Indian pitches: Phillips’ batting against spinners can be crucial on slower pitches. His off-spin bowling is a bonus in spin-supporting conditions.
6. Rachin Ravindra (Left-arm all-rounder, Left-arm spinner)
- Power: Ravindra brings balance to the side with his all-round abilities. His left-arm spin and medium-order batting are his main assets.
- Role on Indian pitches: Ravindra’s left-arm spin will be crucial to turn India’s ways and his lower-order batting can add vital runs.
7. Mitchell Santner (Left Arm Spinner, Left Hand Batter)
- Power: Santner is an experienced all-rounder who excels in controlling the middle shots with accurate spin bowling.
- Role on Indian pitches: On the Indian wickets, Santner’s role as a lead spinner will be crucial, especially in arranging runs and picking key wickets during the middle overs.
8. Tim Southee (Right Arm Fast Bowler)
- Power: Southee is the leader of New Zealand’s pace attack. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his experience in pressure situations.
- Role on Indian pitches: Although the Indian conditions do not favor swing bowling, Southee’s experience and ability to hit the right lengths will be key in pulling off counter-swingers.
9. Matt Henry (Right Arm Fast Bowler)
- Power: Henry is a versatile fast bowler with the ability to create bounce and movement. His ability to bowl both in power plays and at the death makes him a key player.
- Role on Indian pitches: In India, Henry’s pace and control will be important, especially in the early overs when the ball is still stiff. His ability to pack cutters will come in handy on slower surfaces.
10. Ajaz Patel (Left Arm Spinner)
- Power: Patel is a specialist left-arm spinner with good experience in subcontinental conditions, including a 10-wicket run in India.
- Role on Indian pitches: Patel’s accuracy and spin on the spin tracks in India will make him a dangerous bowler, especially against right-handed batsmen.
11. William O’Rourke (Right Arm Fast Bowler)
- Power: O’Rourke is a promising fast bowler with the potential to provide breakthroughs at crucial moments.
- Role on Indian pitches: In Indian conditions, O’Rourke’s role will be to bounce at high pace and target effectively. His ability to reverse swing will also be critical in the latter stages of the innings.
Kane Williamson’s absence and potential return
Williamson, New Zealand’s main striker, has been ruled out of the squad for the first part of the series due to injury. His absence leaves a void in the top order as he is a key figure in managing both pace and spin effectively, especially in Indian conditions where his technique excels. Williamson’s return will depend on his recovery and fitness and approval from the New Zealand Cricket Board. If he regains his fitness during the series, his inclusion will greatly strengthen New Zealand’s batting line-up, providing stability and experience in three crucial positions.
