Match Details:
The 1st Test match of the West Indies Tour to New Zealand will be played at the Seddon Park Ground in Hamilton.
The match is scheduled to start at 11:00 AM Local Time (03:30 AM IST, Dec 03) (10:00 PM GMT, Dec 02), and will be streamed live on FanCode.
Preview:
After the end of three-match T20I series, New Zealand and West Indies will lock horns in the first of the two-match Test series. The visitors lost the tussle in the shortest format by 2-0 but they have a completely different set-up when it comes to the Tests including the skipper. Jason Holder will be hoping for a decent performance from his troops. However, the likes of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, along with Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be looking to make sure that they keep the opposition under the lid.
NZ vs WI Weather Report for Match 1:
The first day is likely to be marred by rain but the weather will improve as the match progresses. The conditions, however, will remain overcast during the match.
Pitch Report:
It swings always in the first innings at this venue but then it flattens to a large extent. The bowlers should look to swing the new ball and pick early wickets.
Average first innings score:
304 (from all the Tests played at this venue)
Record of the chasing teams:
Won – 10; Lost – 8; Drawn – 8
Injury & Availability News
BJ Watling has picked up a hamstring niggle and his availability for this game is doubtful. Devon Conway has been called in as his injury cover.
NZ vs WI Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
New Zealand:
Kane Williamson, Tom Blundell, Ross Taylor, Will Young, Darryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, BJ Watling/Devon Conway, Trent Boult, Time Southee, Ajaz Patel, Neil Wagner/Kyle Jamieson
Bench:
Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling/Devon Conway, Neil Wagner/Kyle Jamieson
West Indies:
Karigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Samarah Brooks/Rahkeem Cornwall, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Shane Dowrich, Kemar Roach, Alzzari Joseph, Shannon Gabriel
Bench:
Jermaine Blackwood, Samarah Brooks/Rahkeem Cornwall, Keemo Paul, Chemar Holder
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NZ vs WI Top picks for today’s 11Wickets match:
Tom Latham has scored 3726 runs at an average of 42.34 in Tests and he is certainly one of the top picks in this match. Kane Williamson should undoubtedly in your Fantasy team having amassed more than 6000 runs in 80 Test match. Jason Holder is a perfect all-rounder and he will lead from the front for the visitors. He has scored 2012 runs and picked 116 wickets in 43 Tests. Darren Bravo scored a scintillating ton in one of the warm-up games and will be confident of doing well in the series.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection
Captain Options: Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor
Vice-Captain Options: Jason Holder, Darren Bravo
Suggested Playing XI No. 1 for NZ vs WI 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:
Wicketkeeper: Shane Dowrich
Batsmen: Kane Williamson (C), Henry Nicholls, Darren Bravo, Ross Taylor
All-Rounders: Jason Holder (VC), Roston Chase
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Shannon Gabriel
12th Man – Kraigg Brathwaite
Suggested Playing XI No. 2 for NZ vs WI 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:
Wicketkeeper: Shane Dowrich
Batsmen: Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor (C), Darren Bravo (VC), Shimron Hetmyer, Shamarh Brooks
All-Rounders: Jason Holder, Mitchell Santner
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Kemar Roach
12th Man – Henry Nicholls
Expert Advice:
Generally, the pitch flattens out in the second innings in New Zealand and batsmen literally have a lot of fun. It would be better to have five batsmen in your team in that case.
NZ vs WI Today’s Probable Winners
New Zealand is expected to win this match.
