New Zealand are set to face India for a three-match Test series starting on October 16. The Kiwis are coming after a 0-2 loss against Sri Lanka , and will now face a strong Indian side at their home grounds. India are a dangerous side in all conditions, and New Zealand are yet to defeat them in an away Test series. With the new skipper Tom Latham taking charge in the upcoming series, New Zealand will be looking to change their fortunes in India, and take an early lead by winning the first Test.
The first Test between India and New Zealand will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from October 16 to October 20. After a setback in Sri Lanka, New Zealand will now look to bring a strong playing XI for the first Test, and put hosts in trouble from the start. However, the main concern for the visitors will be the unavailability of Kane Williamson, who might miss the first Test due to groin injury. Let’s have a look at New Zealand’s probable playing XI for the first Test against India.
Openers: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway
Skipper Tom Latham is likely to open the innings along with his long-term batting partner Devon Conway. New Zealand opted for the same opening pair in the series against Sri Lanka. However, the Kiwis couldn’t get a good start as both Latham and Conway failed to make big partnership while opening the innings. Now, both players will be hoping to have a good time in India, and give New Zealand a good start in the first session.
Middle Order: Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Rachin Ravindra
As Kane Williamson might be unavailable for the first Test, Mark Chapman could be seen batting at number three for New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test. After that, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will come to take charge of the batting in middle order. Wicket-keeper Tom Blundell can be seen batting at number five. Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell were in decent form in the Sri Lanka series, and will provide strength to New Zealand’s middle-order.
All-Rounders: Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner
Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner can be seen taking charge of both batting and bowling in the Test series against India. Both the players scored fighting 50s in the second Test for New Zealand against Sri Lanka in Galle, and can control the batting innings if the visitors lost early wickets. Apart from that, their spin bowling can turn out to be beneficial on Indian pitches.
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Will O’Rourke
Talking about the bowlers, Ajaz Patel can play as the main spinner along with Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips. Apart from that, former skipper Tim Southee and Will O’Rourke are in line to play as fast bowlers in the first Test in Bengaluru. Southee and Rourke could be needed to bowl decent early spells on day one if New Zealand bowls first. Apart from that, the spin bowlers will look to attack as the Test match proceeds.