New Zealand are set to lock horns with Australia in the first Test of the two-match series, starting from Thursday (February 29).
New Zealand have not beaten Australia in a Test match since 2011 and the Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead sees the upcoming series as an opportunity for the home team, who currently placed at the top in ICC World Test Championship standings, to correct the anomaly against the reigning champions.
“We don’t play Australia that often, which is strange considering that they’re just across the Tasman there,” said Stead while addressing the reporters in Wellington on Wednesday.
“But, look, they always set the benchmark and are current world Test champions and they are that for a reason. They’re a very good side. But that’s our opportunity. And that’s for us to go out and I guess show our wares and we’re certainly looking forward to the challenge that is ahead.”
NZ vs AUS 2024, 1st Test:
- Start date and Time: February 29; 10:00 pm GMT (Feb 28) / 3:30 am IST/ 11:00 am local
- Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
Basin Reserve Pitch Report:
The Basin Reserve pitch in Wellington is adorned with a lush green cover for the upcoming fixture. This green hue is expected to provide substantial assistance to the seam bowlers from both teams, posing significant challenges for the side batting first. With a track record of producing results in 43 out of the 67 Tests it has hosted, the venue has favoured teams bowling first, with 29 of those 43 victories achieved by the bowling side.
Bowlers taking the initial opportunity to bowl on this pitch are poised to capitalize on the moisture content and the presence of fresh green grass, enhancing their effectiveness in exploiting the conditions to their advantage.
NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicketkeepers: Alex Carey
- Batters: Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Travis Head, Daryl Mitchell
- All-rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Neil Brand, Glenn Phillips
- Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins
NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
- Choice 1: Mitchell Marsh (c), Kane Williamson (vc)
- Choice 2: Steve Smith (c), Daryl Mitchell (vc)
Also READ: NZ vs AUS 2024, Test Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK & other countries
NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Tim Southee, Matt Henry
NZ vs AUS Dream11 Team for today’s match
Also READ: Kane Williamson and his partner Sarah become parents of a baby girl; David Warner reacts
Squads:
New Zealand: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Henry Nicholls, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc
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