New Zealand vs England 1st test is all set to take off on the 22nd of March, 2018 at the Eden Park, Auckland. England after the Ashes defeat have moved down to number 5 in the ICC test rankings for teams, while the Kiwis are only a point adrift at number 4. Test #2299 will be the first ever pink ball day/night test in New Zealand.
England won the ODI series 3-2 and will fancy their chances to take the test series as well, albeit, the Kiwis are a force to reckon with at home.
VENUE: EDEN PARK, AUCKLAND
PITCH CONDITIONS
Report:
The pitch here at Eden Park is a drop-in pitch and it generally gets slower. The average first and second innings scores here are a touch over 300. However, the ball tends to wobble a bit once the lights are on.
STATS AT THE EDEN PARK
| Total Matches |
49 |
| Matches won batting first |
13 |
| Matches won batting second |
12 |
| Average 1st innings score |
323 |
| Average 2nd innings score |
304 |
| Average 3rd innings score |
226 |
| Average 4th innings score |
153 |
| Highest total recorded |
621/5 by SA vs NZ |
| Lowest total recorded |
26/10 by NZ vs ENG |
HEAD-TO-HEAD IN TESTS
New Zealand have played England 101 times in tests since 1930 and have managed to win only 9. England have won 48 times and 44 other tests have ended in a stalemate.
|
IN NEW ZEALAND |
|
| PLAYED |
47 |
| NEW ZEALAND |
4 |
| ENGLAND |
18 |
| DRAW |
25 |
TEAM NEWS
Ross Taylor has been declared fit for the 1st test. The right-handed batter was in tremendous form in the recently concluded ODI series and his presence in the middle-order will only strengthen the Kiwi batting line-up.
Todd Astle has also been included in the playing eleven. Skipper Kane Williamson had earlier announced the starting eleven for the first ever pink ball test in the Kiwi land.
For England, Ben Stokes is all set to make a come back after a recent back injury.
Moeen Ali has been a major contributor with both bat and ball for England. His place in the starting eleven isn’t certain as Craig Overton is a strong contender in pace friendly conditions.
SQUADS
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling(w), Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry.
England: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Joe Root(c), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow(w), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Craig Overton, Liam Livingstone, Mason Crane, James Vince, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach.
PROBABLE PLAYING XI
New Zealand: Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling(wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.
England: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root(c), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow(wk), Moeen Ali/Craig Overton, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Kane Williamson is one of the finest batsmen in world cricket at the moment. The New Zealand skipper has played 63 tests, scored 5214 runs at 50.62. In New Zealand, Williamson’s average shoots up to 56.04.
However, against England, his average drops down to a mediocre 38.33. Be that as it may, this is Kane Williamson we are talking about. The lad can swat a fly, have a snack and still have enough time to tackle a delivery. New Zealand also have Ross Taylor in their ranks but in the first test, Williamson will be the man to watch out for.
Joe Root along with Williamson completes the famous quartet. Root averages 53.28 in 65 tests. The only complaint Joe Root fans will have is regarding his conversion rate. Root has scored 50+ scores 50 times and has managed to convert those starts into a hundred only 13 times. Root’s average against New Zealand declines to 39.53, but his quality can never be questioned. He’ll be England’s key player.
TIPS FOR FANFIGHT FANTASY TEAM
Joe Root and Kane Williamson are valued at 9.6 for this test. Including both will hamper your team’s combination. Since New Zealand are playing at home, Kane Williamson will be a viable option. Vince can be the second batsmen.
Since it’s a day/night game having the best bowlers in your 6-man team will earn you more points. Include Trent Boult and James Anderson.
Jonny Bairstow becomes an automatic pick for the keeper batsman.
Ben Stokes becomes a strong choice for your all-rounder.
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