New Zealand vs India 2020: 1st Test, Wellington – New Zealand's Predicted Playing XI

The Test – a test of patience, a test of nerves, a test of the ultimate winner. This is how a Test could be described in layman’s language. Having levelled the ongoing bilateral series with an emphatic ODI series win, New Zealand will now take on the number one Test team in the world, India. This battle will decide as to who comes out on top when the tour comes to a close.

The Men in Blue cruised to something no one would have ever imagined. India clean-swept the Kiwis 5-0 in the T20I series, becoming the first team in world cricket to achieve this feat. Everyone expected the ODIs to be no different.

However, the Kiwis turned the tables and to the much surprise of cricket fans all across the globe, they avenged their defeat in style.

The BlackCaps whitewashed India 3-0 in the ODI series – to remind everyone of the potential they possess.

This tour has been historic in many ways for both the teams. Now, as the odds are on level terms, the Test will decide who emerges on top and proves themselves to be the ultimate champions.

Both the teams expect a lot from their players to come out all guns blazing in Tests. India and New Zealand are expected to go with a full-strength squad for the two games.

Let’s Take A Look At New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI for Wellington Test:

Kane Williamson:

Kane Williamson is back to full fitness after the shoulder injury that kept him away from the final two games of the T20 series and first two ODIs.

Williamson has been the backbone of the Kiwis batting line up. He has had a prolific Test career so far and has amassed a lot of runs for the BlackCaps.

The captain will lead the Kiwis in both the Tests and is expected to portray the immense which he and the entire Kiwi team possess.

BJ Watling:

BJ Watling is expected to keep the wickets for the Kiwis. Having made his Test debut in 2009, Watling has had a fair share of experience in the format.

He is one of those very few Kiwi batsmen who have scored a  double century in Tests. Having played a total of 68 Tests, Watling has scored 3644 runs in the format with eight centuries to his name.

Watling is expected to play another match-defying knock vs the Men in Blue like he did earlier to help save the Kiwis from a defeat.

Tom Latham:

Tom Latham proved his might in the ODI series against India. He is one of the key players of the New Zealand team, and is crucial for them to start their innings on a high.

Latham also has double-century to his name in Test cricket and has been an experienced campaigner for the Kiwis in the format.

Having played a total of 50 Tests, Latham has scored more than 3500 runs with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries to his name.

Tom Blundell:

Tom Blundell is among one of the inexperienced lads in the New Zealand Test side. He has played a total of three Tests till date but his performance has been considerably good.

He has an average of 51.33 in Tests and has scored a couple of centuries in the format. His ton against Australia is considered to be one of the greatest Test knocks from a Kiwi batsman under pressure.

Blundell will now look to make a huge impact in the upcoming series and cement his place in the Test squad.

Ross Taylor:

The most experienced campaigner of the entire New Zealand squad, Ross Taylor will be one of the greatest assets of the team.

Taylor is one of the most successful Test batsmen in world cricket. Also, he has regained his form and was the Man of the Series in the recently-held ODI series.

Also, he will play the 100th Test match of his career when he steps out on the field to play against India in Wellington. Taylor will surely look to make a huge impact on the game.

Henry Nicholls:

A promising left-handed batsman, Henry Nicholls has been talked about highly among New Zealand’s cricketing circles over the few years.

Nicholls looked in great touch in the ODI series and will look to take his form to the next level in the upcoming Test series.

Although he has had a short Test career, his performance has been impressive as the left-handed batsman has an average of above 40 in Test cricket.

Colin de Grandhomme:

Having the tag of an explosive all-rounder, Colin de Grandhomme is one of the most crucial players for New Zealand.

However, his playing style suits the limited-overs format, he can be a key bowler for the Kiwis in the windy conditions.

De Grandhomme has had a fifer in his career so far and has the potential to destroy any batting line up in the world.

Kyle Jamieson:

One of the upcoming talents of New Zealand cricket, Kyle Jamieson has all the qualities to be a global superstar in world cricket.

Jamieson grabbed the Man of the Match award on his ODI debut against India in the recently-concluded series and showed the world the sheer potential that he possesses.

The first Test will mark his Test debut and there is none better way than to start your career against the top-ranked team in the world.

He will be one of the key bowlers for the Kiwis in the strong windy conditions of Wellington.

Tim Southee:

One of the greatest fast bowlers of New Zealand in world cricket, Tim Southee can prove to be a deadly pacer at Wellington.

He is another experienced campaigner in the Kiwi side and has a collection of a large number of wickets to his name.

He has clinched a total of 270 Test wickets till date and just seems to get better with age.

Ajaz Patel:

Ajaz Patel is another young great find for the Kiwis in recent times. Ajaz got his maiden New Zealand call-up for the 2018 Pakistan series in the UAE. The absence of an injured Mitchell Santner opened the door of opportunity and he grabbed it with both hands.

Patel made his presence felt straight away in the longest format as he bagged the Man of the Match award on Test debut.

He scalped seven wickets – including a maiden Test fifer in the second essay – which helped his side beat Pakistan in a thriller by four runs at Abu Dhabi.

Trent Boult:

Trent Boult will probably be New Zealand’s most crucial player in the first Test match. Having the ability to swing the ball both ways and at a very high speed makes him one of the world’s deadliest bowler.

Wellington will be a great venue for him to make his comeback from injury. He can easily destroy the relatively inexperienced Indian batting line up and has the ability to win the game single-handedly for his team.

It will surely be one of the greatest games in the history of Test cricket when two great cricketing nations collide on the windy Basin Reserve at Wellington.

Also Read: New Zealand Vs India 2020: 1st Test, Wellington – Preview