New Zealand you will face each other India in the three-match Test series starting on October 16, as part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharmathey will be looking 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 starting on October 24, and the final Test in Mumbai from November 1. New Zealand will look to overcome their poor record if they mount a serious challenge to the hosts. .
New Zealand’s WTC history and challenges ahead
The Blackcaps beat India in the opening round World Test Championship (WTC) 2021 final at Lord’s but they have struggled since then. Their upcoming tour will be their second visit to India after that historic final. The last time they met in India in the 2021-23 WTC cycle, New Zealand lost the two-match series 1-0. Furthermore, New Zealand have yet to lose a Test series in India, with their last Test win on Indian soil since 1988. India is ranked number one in WTC standing, with 74.24 Percentage Points (PCT), while New Zealand, struggling in sixth place with 37.50 PCT, will need a significant change to keep their WTC hopes alive.
New Zealand’s hurdles ahead of the series
New Zealand’s hopes lost a lot even before the start of the series, as they hit the star Kane Williamson He was ruled out due to a hip injury. Up for the challenge, veteran speed Tim Southee he has left the captaincy, left the reins Tom Lathamwho is faced with the difficult task of leading the team in one of the most difficult places for visiting teams. The pressure is on after New Zealand recently lost the series 2-0 Sri Lankawhich makes this upcoming tour of India very critical for the side.
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New Zealand’s playing XI for the Test series against India:
1. Devon Conway (Opener, Left Handed Batsman)
- Power: Conway is New Zealand’s most reliable opener, known for his adaptability and consistent scoring. He has a strong strategy to deal with India’s quality and spin attack.
- Role in Indian Pitches: Conway’s strengths in both pace and spin make him a key player on India’s slow wickets. His ability to stop the innings will be important.
2. Will Young (Opener, Right-handed Batsman)
- Power: A patient batsman, known for playing long innings. He fits Conway’s aggressive style.
- Role in Indian Pitches: The youngster’s attitude will be crucial on the Indian pitches which offer dynamic bounce, especially in the first overs. You will be tasked with managing the new ball and building relationships.
3. Tom Latham (c) (Left Hand Batsman, Wicket Keeper)
- Power: Latham is an experienced player and a reliable middle-order batsman. As a captain, his leadership and wicket-keeping skills are important.
- Role in Indian Pitches: Latham’s ability to play spin effectively will make him a pick in the middle overs. His strategic awareness will be key in making fielding changes and bowling decisions.
4. Daryl Mitchell (Right-handed batsman, right-arm middle batsman)
- Power: Mitchell is a powerful middle order batsman and medium pace bowler. His aggressive stroke play can change the momentum quickly.
- Role in Indian Pitches: On Indian pitches, Mitchell’s ability to accelerate against spinners in the middle overs is crucial. His average speed can also be useful in breaking ties.
5. Glenn Phillips (Right Hand Batsman, Off-Spin Bowler)
- Power: Phillips is an explosive middle-order batsman with the ability to clear boundaries. His off-spin bowling provides an additional option.
- Role in Indian Pitches: Phillips’ hitting on spinners can be decisive on slower pitches. His off-spin bowling is a bonus in spin-supporting situations.
6. Rachin Ravindra (Left-Arm All-Rounder, Left-Arm Spin)
- Power: Ravindra brings balance to the side with his all-round skills. Left-arm bowling and middle-order batting are key assets.
- Role in Indian Pitches: Ravindra’s left-arm spin will be crucial in changing the Indian tracks, and his lower-order batting may add valuable runs.
7. Mitchell Santner (Left Arm Spinner, Left Hand Batsman)
- Power: Santner is an experienced all-rounder who excels in controlling the middle overs with his precision bowling.
- Role in Indian Pitches: For India’s wickets, Santner’s role as a lead spinner will be crucial, especially in containing runs and picking up important 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 from both sides and his experience in pressure situations.
- Role in Indian Pitches: Although the conditions in India may not favor swing bowling, Southee’s experience and ability to hit the right length will be key in pulling off a reverse.
9. Matt Henry (Right-Arm Fast Bowler)
- Power: Henry is a versatile bowler with the ability to produce bounce and movement. His ability to bowl in both powerplays and at the death makes him a valuable player.
- Role in Indian Pitches: In India, Henry’s pace and control will be crucial, especially in the first overs when the ball still has some difficulty. His ability to cut dishes will come in handy in slow moving areas.
10. Ajaz Patel (Left Arm Spinner)
- Power: Patel is a specialist left-arm spinner with a good record in sub-continent conditions, including a 10-wicket haul for India.
- Role in Indian Pitches: On turning tracks in India, Patel’s accuracy and ability to get off the curve will make him a dangerous bowler, especially for right-handed batsmen.
11. William O’Rourke (Right-Arm Fast Bowler)
- Power: O’Rourke is a promising fast bowler who has the ability to deliver success at crucial times.
- Role in Indian Pitches: In Indian conditions, O’Rourke’s role will be to bowl with pace and bounce, targeting the top order effectively. His ability to reverse the swing will be crucial in the latter stages of the innings as well.
Kane Williamson’s absence and possible return
Williamson, who was beaten by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, is not in the team that will play 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 handling both pace and spin effectively, especially in Indian conditions where his creativity is at the forefront. Williamson’s return will depend on his recovery and fitness, as well as the confirmation of the New Zealand Cricket Board. Should he regain form during the series, his inclusion would greatly strengthen New Zealand’s batting line-up, providing stability and experience at the crucial third position.
UPDATE: New Zealand announce Test squad to tour India; Kane Williamson’s availability is uncertain
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