New Zealand vs India, 1st Test, Wellington: Preview, likely XI, prediction

At the end of what has been a see-saw series, there comes perhaps the most exciting battle. India swept New Zealand in the T20Is 5-0, the Black Caps hit back in the ODIs winning 3-0. There are now two Tests up for grabs, and the side that wins it can take the bragging rights from the series.

However, India are favourites, no doubt about it. They lead the Test rankings for a reason, and their record in the World Test Championship so far – 7 played, 7 won, and 360 points – is reflective of their dominance in the format.

India, under Kohli, are a supreme Test force, and a trip to New Zealand isn’t as daunting as it once was, especially with India now possessing a pace-bowling unit that can make the home side think twice about making these pitches friendly to their pacemen.

Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Navdeep Saini. Each bring their own flavour of pace bowling, and make no mistake, they give India quite the advantage even before a ball is bowled.

However, these are home conditions, and New Zealand know them best. They have been bolstered by the return of Trent Boult from injury – their pace spearhead had been sidelined since sustaining an injury during the Boxing Day Test.

There is also Kyle Jamieson, an exciting, uncapped prospect, in the ranks, and he could make his debut should Neil Wagner be unable to make the start. Wagner is away from the squad to be with his wife as the couple await their first child, and New Zealand have called up Matt Henry as cover.

Wagner, should he not play, will be a huge loss for New Zealand, given his short-pitched bowling has been such an integral part of the Black Caps’ pace strategy at home.

All in all, India are the favourites at the outset.

Head to head

There have been 57 Tests between these sides over the years, and New Zealand have won only 10 of them. India hold the upper hand, with 21 victories in all in these clashes. However, eight of New Zealand’s 10 victories have come at home, and they won the last series at home in 2014 2-0.

Key players

Mayank Agarwal (India): So far in 2020,Agarwal hasn’t had the same sizzling form he displayed in 2019. He struggled in the A series in New Zealand, and seemed out of sorts till the final warm-up before the Tests when he scored an encouraging 81. With one of Prithvi Shaw or Shubman Gill likely to be his opening partner, he’s the more senior opener, and his role will be crucial.

Ross Taylor (New Zealand): It’ll be Taylor’s 100th Test, and in reaching the mark, he will become the first player to do so in all three formats. However, Taylor will need to hold the fort, along with Kane Williamson, if New Zealand are to see off India’s blistering attack. He’s the engine of the batting side, and India will be eyeing his scalp at the earliest opportunity.

Likely XIs

India: Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner/Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult

Prediction

India to win on day 4.