New Zealand vs. Australia, 1st Test: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info, Preview
New Zealand will fancy their chances of securing their first Trans-Tasman Trophy win over Australia since 1989 in the forthcoming two-Test series, and judging by their performances in the ODIs, they’re up for it.
Of course, few sides seem to react better when their backs are against the wall than the Baggy Greens, and Steven Smith’s men would love nothing better than turning over their neighbours on their own patch.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, hold on to your hats. The biggest series of the year is about to commence!
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Let’s take a look at how the two sides are shaping up ahead of the opening clash in Wellington.
Date: Friday, 12 February
Time: 10.30 a.m. local (9.30 p.m GMT Thursday)
Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand
Live Stream and TV Info: Sky Sports (UK), Sky Sport (New Zealand),TenSports (Pakistan), Fox Sports (Australia), Neo Cricket/Star Sports (India), Ten Sports (UAE), NowTV (subscription required).
Weather: Overcast but dry, according to BBC Weather, with a high of 22 degrees Celsius expected during mid-afternoon.
Overview
After last year's Stuart Broad-led debacle at Trent Bridge, the general consensus is that Australia are going to face a similar test on the seaming wickets of New Zealand.
And while the inability of the Baggy Greens' batsmen to handle these testing conditions has been exaggerated, it's fair to say their pre-series preparations aren't completely ideal.
"Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon & David Warner inspect Basin Reserve pitch!#NZvsAUS #NZvAUS #AUSvNZ #cricket #Wellington pic.twitter.com/jgQhlI0tJL
— Aleena علینہ (@AnmolAleena) February 10, 2016"
In the last couple of weeks, they've been whitewashed by the Indians in T20 cricket and also lost an ODI series against the Kiwis 2-1.
What's more, with the colour of the ball turning to red, the lack of a single warm-up longer-form match on the tour means many of Australia's regulars haven't played a first-class game for some weeks.
Throw in the fact that none of their squad has previously played a single Test in New Zealand and alarm bells could be ringing in the Aussie dressing room.
In reality, the Kiwis will know they are up against a powerhouse batting unit that has plenty of experience in all conditions backed up by a solid pack of seamers and an underrated spinner.
Also, apart from the recent T20 series defeat to India, Australia have demolished all teams in their path including the Black Caps who toured Down Under just a few months ago.
Finally, whilst some of their players have been absorbed in the limited-overs formats, possible starters such as Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon, Adam Voges and Peter Nevill have all played a round of Sheffield Shield cricket.
So maybe the Aussies aren't quite as undercooked as it initially seemed.
In terms of squad news, the major surprise was the inclusion of uncapped paceman Chadd Sayers who has 145 wickets in 38 first-class games at an average of 24.82.
He'll compete with the recalled Jackson Bird, the evergreen Siddle and the combative Pattinson for two places in the bowling attack alongside spearhead Josh Hazlewood.
Expect the red-hot Usman Khawaja to force himself into the batting lineup somewhere, too, with Joe Burns set to continue as opener.
One more thing. Not that they need any more motivation, but a win in this series mean Australia will reclaim the No. 1 Test ranking.
Somewhat incredibly, New Zealand have only beaten Australia eight times in Test cricket, and although they won a one-off Test in 1990, their last genuine series victory over their neighbours occurred in 1986.
However, partly due to their current form, home advantage and the presence of several world-class performers in a deep squad, many have been tipping them to improve those numbers in the next week or two.
They will have to make do without Ross Taylor, though, who misses the game due to an ongoing side strain.
And the absence of promising spinning all-rounder Mitchell Santer due to a bruised foot is a further blow.
But going back to that strength in depth, Henry Nicholls, who has taken to Test cricket like a duck to water, will slot into the middle order while Mark Craig takes over spin duties.
More promising is the news that Tim Southee's return from injury has gone well with the swing bowler delivering 23 overs in a recent Plunket Shield game.
Assuming he gets the green light, his new-ball partnership with Trent Boult could be the key to this game (and series).
Sadly this clash will be the legendary Brendon McCullum's penultimate game and also his world-record 100th consecutive Test since debut.
The bombastic batsman knows only one way to bat, and who would bet against this ultra-attacking approach coming up trumps one more time?
We will find out whether his side can come up trumps against the might of the Australians over the next few days.
Test head-to-head record and latest meeting
These old foes have contested 55 Tests in total with Australia currently holding a 29-8 lead over the Kiwis while there have been 18 draws.
The last meeting between the sides was the inaugural day-night Test at Adelaide in November with the Baggy Greens winning a low-scoring contest by three wickets to claim a 2-0 series victory.
Test form
New Zealand: WWLDLW
Australia: DWWWDW
Squads
New Zealand
Brendon McCullum (c), Corey Anderson, Doug Bracewell, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Mark Craig, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling/Luke Ronchi (wk), Kane Williamson
Australia
Steve Smith (c), Dave Warner, Jackson Bird, Joe Burns, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), James Pattinson, Chadd Sayers, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges
Key Players
New Zealand
While Kane Williamson and Trent Boult will also play huge roles, New Zealand would love it if Martin Guptill can take his white-ball form into the Test Arena.
The 28-year-old has been on fire of late, putting the likes of Sri Lanka and Pakistan to the sword and looking like a world-class opening bat. But his average in the sport’s most demanding format is just 30... whether this is Guptill’s true standing or a misnomer, we’ll find out over the next few days.
Australia
In the midst of his more bombastic colleagues, the presence of Nathan Lyon is often overlooked on the cricket field.
However, his statistics—185 wickets at 33.42—are impressive among non-subcontinental slow bowlers. Throw in his propensity to take key wickets and ability to keep it tight if circumstance dictates, and the off-spinner is one of the most important players in the Australian side.
Given the Black Caps' lack of proven class in this department, Lyon’s contribution will be vital.
Prediction
The first morning of the first day will be crucial. Whoever can use the assumed green-top conditions to the full and cause maximum damage with the new cherry could gain a significant advantage.
With the weight of expectation seemingly on New Zealand, who would bet against Australia taking an advantage and inflicting a painful blow on their hosts?
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