NZ vs ENG, 2018: Kiwis confirm playing XI for Auckland Test

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have confirmed their playing XI for the first Test against England. The opener of the two-match Test series will be beginning on Thursday (March 22), at Eden Park in Auckland. Ross Taylor has been declared fit which means Martin Guptill will have to wait for more for his Test comeback.

The 31-year-old Auckland-based opening batsman Guptill was called as a cover for experienced middle-order batter Taylor.

The 34-year-old endured multiple pains during the fourth ODI of the series against England. He was subsequently ruled out of fifth ODI.

Taylor also missed the practice game as well, which put his participation in the first Test in jeopardy. However, the veteran batsman has been cleared to play in the all-important clash against Joe Root-led side.

The left-handed batsman Tom Latham will open the innings with Jeet Raval in the first Test.

Kane Williamson will succeed them followed by Ross Taylor at four and Henry Nicholls at five.

Wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling– who made his comeback to the Test side is expected to bat at number six. He wasn’t the part of the Test series against Windies as he was suffering from a hip injury.

Tom Blundell, who replaced him, scored a century on debut and scored 136 runs in two Test matches.

Moreover, the comeback of Watling meant that Blundell had to vacate the wicketkeeper’s spot.

Colin de Grandhome, the all-rounder, will come in at number seven followed by Todd Astle.

The latter made his comeback to the Test side after a period of one and a half years, replacing Mitchell Santner. He is suffering from a knee injury which is all set to keep him out for a period of six to nine months.

The injury has already seen him being ruled out of IPL and county season as well.

Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner are the three quicks in the Kiwi’s line-up. This will mean that Matt Henry will warm the bench for the first Test.

The Test match will be a historic one as it will be played with a pink ball under lights.

New Zealand has played one pink ball Test while it will be the third time when Joe Root led side will play with the pink ball.

This will be the first time when New Zealand will hosta pink ball Test match. The five-day game kicks off tomorrow (March 22) at Eden Park, Auckland.

The second and the final Test will be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch from March 30 to April 3.

New Zealand playing XI: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson (Captain), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Toss Astle, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner.

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