(Info4now, November 24, 2021)- A good T20 side and two consecutive final appearances in ICC World Cup— New Zealand always in the competition. But what they nailed best was to clinch the first ever World Test Championship. It’s all happening for New Zealand in cross formats. But they lost 3-0 to India as they are to meet the same opposition in the red ball cricket of IND vs NZ 1st Test tomorrow. Asked to analyze the series at presentation, Mitch Santner praised India as a team and avoided any explanation.
New Zealand have no special record in India except a draw in their 2003-04 tour. India lost the battle very poorly in New Zealand and Sourav Ganguly had all the plans to counter. But a quality side under Captain Fleming defended it well with a 0-0 finish. It was celebrated by Fleming and considered as one equals to a win. And after that, New Zealand returned with nothing, every time they had a series in India.
India have poor record in ICC tournaments in recent times and of course, it never justifies any negative points for India in this series. It’s a proven phenomenon for Team India. India are not only invincible on home turf but also they beat Australia in Australia twice and 2-1 up in England with one match to be played later. So against New Zealand, India have just to choose right players in place of the absentees.
Preview: IND vs NZ 1st Test, New Zealand tour of India 2021
Mayank Agarwal and Subhman Gill will probably open the innings as both the veteran openers are out of the series. Rohit Sharma got some relief from excess cricket and K. L. Rahul got injured. Cheteshwar Pujara at No. 3 will lead the batting, while stand-in captain Rahane might be moved to Number 4. Shreyas Iyer and Wriddhiman Saha to follow. I don’t know who is going to take seventh spot. As the camp is trying so many things, it’s not easy. Still anybody can guess Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7. Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel will take Kiwi batsmen angling from different sides. Two strike fast bowlers Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma might make the playing XI.
Azaz Patel with his left arm orthodox and Will Somerville with the opposite angle have the best chances to make the side. As India have numerous right-hand batsmen, in fact, all down to six, it’ll be tricky to add Mitchell Santner at No. 7. He can bat and a better control may test Indians beside Azaz Patel. There will be a good chance to continue for long, if the right hand batsmen start dominating. Both the bowlers can take the ball away. I think, it’s unnecessary to play Tim Southee in the very first match. Kyle Jamison and Neil Wagner are completely fit and must replace Southee and Boult.
For New Zealand, batting will be a problem at Green Park. Though there is no special bounce with the spin, it will also be tough to play those keeping low. Ashwin and Axar will definitely try to exploit the situation. Still they have more determined openers than England’s. Kiwis openers have to show some patience, before two giant test players make the crease. Tom Blundell to replace champion Watling.
To Conclude
Although a number of players are missing in the Indian camp, they are well ahead of the Kiwis. They possess an experienced back-up with Mayank Agarwal, Gill and Wriddhiman Saha in the batting department, and pacers like Umesh Yadav and Md. Siraj. For New Zealand, it’s how Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor bat. It’s an easy decision to bat first as the ball might move more in the later part of the contest.
My Playing XXII: IND vs NZ 1st Test, New Zealand tour of India 2021
India: Subhman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell/Will Young, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Will Somerville, Kyle Jamison, Azaz Patel and Neil Wagner.