New Zealand had drawn first blood in the ongoing two-match Test series against India at Basin Reserve, Wellington. The hosts were able to tick the right boxes as they had put the pressure on the visitors with both bat and ball. Consequently, they would look to continue the same form whereas India will look to make a solid comeback in the series.
Meanwhile, there are many question marks hanging in the Indian dressing room. The batting performance in the first innings was dismal and the batters will need to pull up their socks. Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami who have done exceptionally well in the recent past, were not at their best. Ergo, India will need to come up with a collective team effort.
India will look to bounce back.
India will need their openers to fire at all cylinders. Mayank Agarwal had come up decent performances in the first Test but Prithvi Shaw looked all at sea. Moreover, Shaw might be in doubt for the second Test as he had to skip the practice session due to a swollen ankle. Thus, Shubman Gill can be in line to make his Test debut. Furthermore, there are good chances for the in-form Ravindra Jadeja to replace Ravichandran Ashwin.
On the other hand, New Zealand had come up with a fine performance. The bowlers bowled their heart out whereas the batters also did justice to their job. Moreover, the hosts will be boosted by the return of Neil Wagner, who has been a bowling machine for the Kiwis.
India will need to seize the crucial stages of the Test match as they were not at their best in the opening Test. The visitors will need their main players to deliver the goods.
Match Prediction:
There is no doubt that New Zealand has got the impetus on their side and it won’t be wrong to say they will begin the match as favorites. However, as Virat Kohli says his team will go for the win, we can expect a better performance from the number one Test side.