New Zealand expecting greener wicket for second Test

The first Test at Wellington ended in dismay for New Zealand as they were thrashed by an innings and 52 runs by the visiting Australian team. Having requested for a seaming friendly wicket at Wellington, the Kiwis paid the ultimate price for losing the toss and being put into bat first. However, with the second Test scheduled to start on Saturday, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has reiterated the need for another green-top wicket at Christchurch.

“In the first Test in Wellington, it only seamed for two hours and that meant both sides weren’t exposed in those conditions. That makes the toss more important,” Hesson said.

“You have to accept they put the ball in good areas and the ball seamed, so you’re going to nick it. That’s something we’d like to think if we were in a similar situation we’d be able to do something similar. Ideally, you’d like both sides to have a bit of a crack at it when it does seam,” he said.

Should New Zealand have their way in by playing on yet another green-top surface, Hesson will be hoping that his seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee will come good.

The Kiwis will continue without right-handed batsman Ross Taylor who is currently trying to maintain his fitness following injury. First choice spinner Mitchell Santner too is expected to miss out.

As for the Australian camp, the fitness of bowler Peter Siddle is being monitored. It has been reported that he had suffered from a side strain in the first Test.

The second and final Test of the series will be an important fixture for Brendon McCullum. This will be the final time McCullum dons the New Zealand whites and will be hoping for a change of fortunes from the first Test.

The second Test will begin on Saturday at Christchurch.