New Zealand v England, 2nd Test, Hamilton: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

After winning the first Test, at Mount Maunganui, by an innings and 65 runs, New Zealand will now host England for the second (and final) Test of the series, at Seddon Park, Hamilton.

After two days of an equal contest, New Zealand took control of the first Test. BJ Watling got a double-hundred, Mitchell Santner a hundred before taking out three quick wickets, and Neil Wagner took five to pull off a win in the last session.

Unfortunately, New Zealand will be without the services of the injured Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme here, which reduces their advantage over England by some margin. Nevertheless, with a top order as solid as any in the world, England might have to do some leather-chasing.

As for England, six of their top seven batsmen had made it past 20 in the first innings but none of them went on to convert it to a hundred. In the second, five of the top six reached double figures but nobody went past 35. That is something they need to address.

The twin injuries have reduced the gap between the sides, but New Zealand still hold a slight upper edge.

Head to head

England lead 48-11, but that comes down to 11-5 in this century. They lead on New Zealand soil too, that too by 18-6, but New Zealand have a 4-3 lead at home since 2000.

Key players

BJ Watling (New Zealand): With a hundred and a double-hundred in his last two Test innings, Watling will play a key role in keeping England at bay. Remember, he is also among the best wicketkeepers in the world.

Joe Root (England): Root’s poor form continued as he fell for 2 and 11 at Mount Maunganui. It is time for him to rise to the challenge, with his side one down and in desperate need to win this.

Likely XIs

New Zealand: Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Lockie Ferguson.

England: Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad.

Prediction

New Zealand are favourites, if very slightly.