A pink-ball Test match between New Zealand and England will begin tomorrow afternoon at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Before the start of the next cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC), the two nations will work toward improving their Test cricket performance.
England and New Zealand are eliminated from the WTC 2023 final race. While the New Zealanders still have one series against Sri Lanka, England’s six series have already been completed. Before taking on the Islanders, the team led by Tim Southee will try to build some momentum.
Additionally, New Zealand will attempt to avenge their series defeat by England last year in the United Kingdom. Here are some crucial statistics from previous Test matches played on this ground that you should be aware of before the game starts in Mount Manganui.
Prediction
Under the guidance of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, England has won nine out of ten Test matches. Once again, it is anticipated that they will win. Prediction: England to triumph.
Probable XIs
New Zealand
- Tom Latham
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson
- Henry Nicholls
- Tom Blundell (wk)
- Michael Bracewell
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tim Southee (C)
- Ish Sodhi
- Neil Wagner
- Blair Tickner
England
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (capt)
- Ben Foakes (wk)
- Ollie Robinson
- Jack Leach
- Stuart Broad
- James Anderson
Bay Oval Pitch Report
Last year, Bangladesh beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in a Test match played at Mount Maunganui. Despite this, the Kiwis enjoy this track, which offers pacers a lot of seam movement. Batting won’t be easy here because of the pacers in both ranks.
The fast bowlers will be excited by the Bay Oval’s pitch’s high bounce and carry. The seamers will also be able to move the ball because this stadium is open. The breeze will blow. Here, the average score in the first innings is 370 runs, while the average score in the fourth innings is just 156 runs.
Both pace bowlers and batters benefit from Mount Manganui’s favorable conditions. It has not been difficult for teams that bat first to reach 300 runs. On this surface, pace bowlers have had more success than spin bowlers.
Weather Forecast
Thursday will also feature clouds and a 25% chance of precipitation. Aside from that, however, the remaining four days of the game will be enjoyable.
Where to watch
TV: N/A
Live Streaming: Prime Video