India is set to face New Zealand in the first of a three-match Test series, with both teams looking to gain an early advantage. The weather, as in previous encounters like the Kanpur Test, could play a role, but India is focused on securing crucial World Test Championship points. The opening match will take place in Bengaluru on October 16 at 9:30 AM IST, and the home team is keen to maintain its unbeaten streak in domestic Test series, which has now extended for more than a decade.
New Zealand enters the series after a tough 2-0 defeat against Sri Lanka and is further hampered by the absence of their star player, Kane Williamson. The Kiwis' bowling attack lacks experience, adding to the challenge of facing a dominant Indian side on their home turf.
Challenges for New Zealand
New Zealand's all-rounder expressed optimism ahead of the Test series, drawing confidence from his success in white-ball formats in India, including the ICC Cricket World Cup and IPL. However, the conditions in Test matches will be quite different. The Kiwis face an uphill task as they confront an Indian team that hasn’t lost a home Test series since the 2012-13 season. India has won 18 consecutive Test series at home and is ready to continue that dominant run.
New Zealand, having faced a whitewash at the hands of Sri Lanka, is still recovering from the heavy defeat, including a dramatic loss in the first Test by 63 runs and an innings and 154-run defeat in the second.
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction: 1st Test
- Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul
- Batters: Rohit Sharma, Tom Latham, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Daryl Mitchell
- All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Matt Henry, Akash Deep
Probable Playing 11s
- India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
- New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Will O’Rourke
New Zealand’s Perspective on the Series
Despite a challenging series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand views this upcoming series as a valuable learning experience. The all-rounder highlighted the distinct difference in playing Test cricket versus white-ball formats, especially in subcontinent conditions. Facing spin-heavy attacks on slow pitches will be a major test for the Kiwis, but they are determined to give their best. He also acknowledged the immense challenge of playing in India, where the team has been unbeaten in home Test matches for over 12 years.
New Zealand’s young all-rounder had a standout year, scoring 599 runs in just six matches with an impressive average of 49.91, including a double century and three fifties. He expressed his excitement about this Test series in India, emphasizing that it's a rare opportunity to play so many subcontinent Tests consecutively.
India’s Dominance at Home
India’s Test team, led by Rohit Sharma, has established itself as a formidable force at home. With the first Test taking place in Bengaluru, the team is poised to extend its unbeaten run. Having not lost a Test series at home since their defeat to England in 2012-13, India continues to impress with both bat and ball. Key players like Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin provide a strong spin attack, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah leads the bowling department.
On the flip side, New Zealand, under the leadership of Tim Southee, will need to put up a strong fight. The absence of Kane Williamson places additional pressure on their middle order, but players like Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham are expected to step up.
Conclusion
India enters the series with confidence, looking to maintain their undefeated home streak, while New Zealand aims to overcome recent struggles and make a mark in challenging subcontinental conditions. The first Test promises to be an intense battle, with the home side heavily favored due to their depth in both batting and bowling. For New Zealand, it's a chance to gain valuable experience and fight back after their tough series loss to Sri Lanka.
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