NZ vs BAN: New Zealand's Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh, New Zealand vs Bangladesh 2022, First Test

After suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of India in their last Test series, New Zealand will square up against Bangladesh in a two-match Test series at home. Despite the loss, New Zealand would be confident of putting on a strong show keeping in mind their stellar record at home.

Ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh, here’s a look at our predicted playing XI of the New Zealand Cricket Team. It is pertinent to note that Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the series due to injury. He won’t be available for both the Tests.

NZ vs BAN: New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh, New Zealand vs Bangladesh 2022, First Test

Openers: Will Young and Tom Latham

Both the batsmen have been in pretty good touch. Latham had a phenomenal Test series in India. In 2 Tests, he managed to score 163 runs at an average of 40.75. One can expect him to have another great series with the bat. His partner, Will Young began the India series with a stellar 89-run knock in the first Test. However, he made poor returns in the next three innings. Nevertheless, he would be confident of a better showing at home against Bangladesh.

Middle-Order: Daryl Mitchell, Ross Taylor, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls

Daryl Mitchell should bat at number three in the batting order. He played a fighting 92-ball 60-run knock in his last Test innings against India. He would look to carry his form into the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Ross Taylor had a horrendous outing with the bat against India in the last Test series.

Taylor recently announced that this series will be the last of his Test cricket career. The veteran cricketer should look to finish his career on a high. Devon Conway will make his comeback in the Test series against Bangladesh. He will hold this middle-order together. Henry Nicholls played a vital 44-run knock in his last Test innings in India. However, overall, he had a tough time facing the Indian bowlers in sub-continent pitches. He too would be happy to bat in the familiar conditions.

All-rounders: Kyle Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra

Kyle Jamieson has been simply sensational in Test Cricket for New Zealand. Since his debut, he has managed to pick 52 wickets in just 10 Tests at an average of 16.00. He already has five 5-wicket hauls to his name in Tests.

He is dangerous, particularly at home and thus will be a player to watch out for in the first Test. Ajaz Patel, who recently picked 10 wickets in an innings in Tests, hasn’t been included in the squad. Rachin Ravindra is the only spin option New Zealand are going with in home conditions.

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner

The likes of Trent Boult and Neil Wagner will be making their presence felt in the playing XI for the first Test. Trent Boult was rested for the recent Test series against India. Wagner was in the squad but didn’t get the opportunity to be part of the playing XI. Southee bowled beautifully against India, picking 8 wickets in 2 matches. All three are likely to play the first Test against Bangladesh.