New Zealand finally registered their first Test victory in India after 36 years with an 8-wicket win in the first Test at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The visitors stunned India after bowling them out for just 46 runs in the first innings. After that, the Kiwi batters took the charge and guided New Zealand to a mammoth lead of 356 runs in the first innings. On day five, New Zealand chased the target of 107 runs losing two wickets taking a lead of 1-0 in the first innings.
Now, New Zealand have a chance to win their first-ever Test series in India. The second Test of the series will be played at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from October 24 to 28. The visitors will be looking to their creating records in the second as well and take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series. However, the only concern for New Zealand is that Kane Williamson won’t be returning for the second as well.
New Zealand’s probable playing XI for second Test against India
Let’s have a look at the probable playing XI of New Zealand for the second Test against India in Pune.
Openers: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway
New Zealand are likely to go with the same opening pair as the first Test, including skipper Tom Latham and Devon Conway. Although Tom Latham didn’t have a great outing with the bat, he put up a partnership of 67 runs with Conway as New Zealand surpassed India first innings total of 46 runs without losing any wicket. On the other hand, Devon Conway made brilliant 91 runs as New Zealand dominated India in the first innings. The visitors wouldn’t want to change their opening pair for the second Test.
Middle Order: Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Rachin Ravindra
New Zealand would not make any changes in the middle-order and are likely to go with the same batting line up for the second Test in Pune. Coming in place of Kane Williamson, Will Young will be seen playing in the second Test as well. Young had a good outing in the first Test as he registered scores of 33 and 48, respectively. On other hand, Rachin Ravindra turned out to be a star with his 134-run in the first innings as New Zealand were all over India. However, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell couldn’t score big but are likely to return in New Zealand playing XI for the second Test.
All-Rounders: Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner
Glenn Phillips will be making a return for the second Test in Pune. Along with him, New Zealand are also likely to add Mitchell Santner in the playing XI as an extra spinner along with Ajaz Patel and Phillips. New Zealand are likely to go with two pacers and three spinners on a spin-friendly surface of the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee
With Mitchell Santner being added in the playing XI, New Zealand might bench Will O’ Rourke who took seven wickets in the Bengaluru Test. Apart from that, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel and Tim Southee will continue to feature in New Zealand’s playing XI for the second Test. Matt Henry had a memorable outing with a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test.