New Zealand v Australia: Test Preview

New Zealand will meet up with Australia in the second Test match resuming on the 8th of March at Hagley Oval in Churchchirst. Australia leads the two-match series 1-0 having recorded an emphatic 172 runs victory in the first match at Basin Reserve. So, Kiwis will want to level the series as Aussies are in the hunt to seal the deal. With both nations chasing different goals, the match shall be interesting throughout.

Following a brilliant performance by Cameron Green in the first match to steer the Aussies to a wonderful victory – the series is online now. Green did a lot of the damage with the bat scoring unbeaten 174 runs in the first inning in the last match to give his side something to work on. 383 was not a big scoreline but despite the field looking like a runs-scoring one, Kiwis batsmen struggled to make an impact while chasing with only Glen Phillips managing to go past half century putting the excellent 71 score as his side bundled out for 179. Nathan Lyon led from the front taking four wickets to put the home side under immense pressure. The writing was on the wall that the traveling side mission is smelling the victory as the action progresses.

In the second innings, Lyon started by playing the role of night watchman to perfection. His 41 runs were the highest for Aussies a contribution of 169 for his side. Green had 34 as the home side was required to chase 369 for the victory. Then Lyon took the mission on his hands and was the star performer taking six wickets to complete his career 5th 10-wicket haul to give his side a lead into the series. Now heading to the second match, New Zealand is having a headache in the dressing room. They are without the excellent young bowler Will O’Rourke who is nursing a hamstring injury. It is expected that Ben Sears will get the international test debut. Meanwhile, Devon Conway has failed to recover on time from his thumb injury and will miss the match.

Black Caps might consider bringing up Mitchell Santner to open options for the spin bowling. Meanwhile, Australia will be expected to go with the unchanged starting eleven. This is going to happen despite Steve Smith struggling to make an impact since being promoted into the opening role. He has only scored one 50-plus scoreline after the retirement of David Warner. As one of the fine batsmen of his generation, Smith is still a dangerous player and once he has adapted to the new role will explode. Maybe this match will provide a perfect opportunity as his nation leads the series.

Suggested Bet: Australia to win 1.50

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