IND vs NZ: 2nd Test Preview – Boosted by Kohli’s return, India seek series triumph
New Zealand clung on to a draw in the 1st Test. India did all the hard work with the ball on Day 5 and were 1 wicket away from victory. But the pair of Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel stood firm for the Kiwis and denied India a win.
And so, both teams will enter the final Test match with the series level at 0-0. New Zealand will be pleased with the way their openers performed in the 1st Test. While Tom Latham scored half-centuries in both innings, Will Young also displayed remarkable composure in the 1st innings and scored 89.
The visitors will be expecting their senior duo of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor to step up in this decisive Test. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer experienced a scintillating debut with the willow for the Indian side in the 1st Test. While Iyer scored a century in the first innings, he once again came to India’s rescue in the 2nd innings, scoring a well-crafted 65.
The form of veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane will be a concern for India. Both these batsmen have been woefully short of runs in 2021. And, with the return of skipper Virat Kohli for the 2nd Test, it remains to be seen which Indian batsman will sit out of the playing XI. With the series on the line, both India and New Zealand will be looking to post a win and outplay each other.
Head-to-Head
Match Info
India vs New Zealand, 2nd Test
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Start Date and Time: December 3rd 09:30 AM IST
Team News
India:
India will make a few changes to their side. First up, Virat Kohli returns back to the playing XI, and that would mean that Mayank Agarwal might get the axe. Also, Mohammed Siraj is likely to replace Ishant Sharma.
India are likely to give Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara another chance to prove their worth, and after Shreyas Iyer’s scintillating performance in the 1st Test, he will also retain his place. Wriddhiman Saha is fully fit as confirmed by Kohli.
New Zealand:
For New Zealand, the only change that they might think of replacing William Somerville, who went wicketless in the 1st Test, with Neil Wagner. The rest of the lineup will stay the same.
Probable XI
