New Zealand vs Pakistan 2020: 1st Test, New Zealand Predicted XI

Against Pakistan, New Zealand will play the second Test series at their home after the outbreak of the coronavirus. The series will kick on from the Boxing Day when the two teams will play the first Test match of the two-match series at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

New Zealand is a strong team at their home and with Pakistan playing without their regular captain Babar Azam in the first Test, they are favourite to win the opening Test match.

Here, let’s take a look at what will be New Zealand’s playing XI against Pakistan:

Tom Latham (wk):

Tom Latham is regarded as one of the best openers of New Zealand. In 54 Test matches, he has got 11 centuries and 19 half-centuries in his name.

When he played his maiden Test series against Pakistan in 2014, he scored centuries back to back. But in the last two Test tours against the Green Army, he hasn’t been that effective.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who also captained the team in the last match against West Indies, will want to improve his stats against the visitors.

Tom Blundell:

Tom Blundell has been in and out of the Test team. He has so far played eight Test matches and has scored 453 runs, including two centuries.

In the last Test series against West Indies, he scored 28 runs in two matches. With New Zealand looking to enter the top two in the points table, they will expect from Blundell to play a mature knock, taking the burden from Williamson’s shoulder.

Kane Williamson (C):

Kane Williamson, who has recently become a father after being blessed with a baby girl, will look to maintain the supremacy against Pakistan.

In the last Test series against West Indies, he also broke his own record and registered his highest individual score (251). The skipper is in good form and will be dominant against Pakistan, who have already lost the T20I series.

Ross Taylor:

The most experienced player of the current New Zealand team, Ross Taylor, had a poor outing against West Indies. He scored 38 and 9 runs in the two-Test matches respectively. This series will be important for Taylor to maintain his spot with him ageing.

Henry Nicholls:

Henry Nicholls, the left-hand batsman, scored a match-winning 174 against West Indies in the second Test to fill in the shoes of their captain. His fighting knock helped New Zealand to put a good total which was easily defended by the bowlers. He will continue his good form against Pakistan, who are already low in confidence.

BJ Watling:

The wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling is returning in the playing XI after being out of the last Test against West Indies due to a hamstring injury. His return will also keep Will Young, who made the Test debut in the last series, out of the combination.

Daryl Mitchell:

Daryl Mitchell, who made the debut last year, adds a good batting and bowling option for New Zealand. He will be playing only the third Test series of his career while the maiden Test series against Pakistan. It will be a big opportunity for him to showcase his mettle and maintain his spot.

Kyle Jamison:

The tallest cricketer of New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson, has been impressive since his debut Test series against India. He has already two five-wicket hauls even though he has only played four Test matches.

Apart from his batting, his power-hitting at the lower-order has given nightmares to bowlers. He scored his maiden Test half-century against West Indies. He is, unarguably, going to be in the playing XI.

Tim Southee:

Older the wine the better it gets and the same goes with Tim Southee. In the last Test series, he picked up a four-wicket haul to claim a comfortable victory. He will be looking to get his team to the top of the points table in this series.

Niel Wagner:

The 34-year-old Neil Wagner, who has recently completed his 50th match, is the most daunting bowler of New Zealand. He likes verbal confrontation and trouble bowlers with bouncers. The speedster has made many pacers his bunny including Steve Smith

In 50 Test matches, he has picked 215 wickets, including 10 four-wickets haul and nine five-wickets hauls. Moreover, he also scored his maiden Test half-century against New Zealand.

Trent Boult:

Trent Boult will be playing the 70th Test match of his career against Pakistan. He will be looking to make the day memorable with his street-smart bowling with the brand new red ball.