New Zealand vs Australia: 2nd Test Preview

In their last five encounters with New Zealand, Australia have remained unbeaten, showcasing dominance with five consecutive victories. The trend persists with Australia's penchant for dictating the game's tempo by opting to bat first in each encounter. Recently, at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, they upheld this strategy, clinching another remarkable win, this time by a formidable margin of 172 runs.

Facing New Zealand's spirited bowling on the first day posed challenges for the Aussies. Despite setbacks, Cameron Green's exemplary performance in the first innings steered the visitors towards stability. However, the Kiwis staged a remarkable comeback in the second innings, restricting Australia to a modest 160 runs.

Just when New Zealand appeared poised to mount a chase, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon turned the tide, orchestrating a spectacular collapse of the Kiwi batting lineup. Lyon's spin wizardry propelled Australia to a decisive victory, thwarting New Zealand's pursuit of the daunting target. The match witnessed a gripping narrative, characterised by intense bowling battles and decisive batting manoeuvres, ultimately culminating in Australia's triumph.

Pitch Report: Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Hagley Oval stands out as one of New Zealand's prime batting pitches, offering excellent conditions for batters. While it lacks the bounce of the Basin Reserve, it compensates with considerable pace, presenting bowlers with opportunities to exploit. The toss holds less sway on this surface, levelling the playing field for both teams across the third and fourth innings. Weather forecasts indicate sunny and pleasant conditions, promising an optimal setting for an enthralling match.

NZ vs AUS Probable Playing XI

New Zealand:

In New Zealand's opening Test against Australia, their performance reflected missed opportunities and ongoing challenges. Despite a strong start, capturing half of Australia's wickets with 156 runs on the board, New Zealand's bowlers faltered in the second innings. They must devise strategies to confront Nathan Lyon's spin threat and seize any potential breakthroughs. Only by capitalizing on such chances can they harbour hopes of ending their winless streak against Australia on home soil.

Predicted XI: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Scott Kuggeleijn, Matt Henry, Tim Southee (c), William ORourke.

Australia:

Australian dominance persists as they continue to overwhelm the Black Caps in Test cricket. With a flawless record of six victories on New Zealand soil, including the recent 172-run triumph at Wellington's Basin Reserve, the Aussies display unwavering superiority. Heading into the final match of the Test summer away from home, Australia will aim for a professional conclusion, showcasing prowess with both bat and ball on the field. Their focus remains on maintaining a dominant performance against the Black Caps.

Predicted XI: Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

NZ vs AUS Head-to-Head Record in Tests:

NZ vs AUS, 2nd Test Broadcast Details: