2nd Test: Determined WI challenge injury-hit NZ in Wellington
What's the story
New Zealand are gearing up to take on West Indies in the second Test of their three-Test series, starting on December 10. The match will be played at Wellington's Basin Reserve (3:30am IST). After settling for a draw in Christchurch, New Zealand will look to bounce back against. On the other hand, the visitors are aiming for an upset. Here is the preview of the second game.
Match recap
NZ's performance in the series opener
Despite a 64-run first-innings lead and third-innings centuries from Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand couldn't win the first Test. They set a record target of 531 runs, but their bowlers struggled to take wickets. The West Indies managed to draw the match with some stellar performances, including a double-century from Justin Greaves. Shai Hope also got a hundred as WI posted the highest fourth-innings team score in a five-day Test (456/6).
Pitch report
Basin Reserve's pitch conditions
The pitch at Wellington's Basin Reserve is usually well-grassed, sometimes even resembling the outfield. Given the venue's history, it's likely that the pitch curator will prepare another green top for this second Test. However, as the match progresses and bounce becomes more reliable, batting conditions are expected to improve. The weather during the match is expected to be cold with partly cloudy skies.
Head-to-head
NZ and WI's Test history
As per ESPNcricinfo, New Zealand and West Indies have faced each other 50 times in Tests since 1952. The Kiwis lead the head-to-head record with 17 wins, while West Indies have won 13 matches. The remaining 20 Tests have ended in draws. According to ESPNcricinfo, New Zealand have a 14-7 win-loss record over West Indies at home. Meanwhile, WI's last Test win in Wellington dates way back to 1995. The team has lost each of its following five Tests here.
Troubles
NZ miss out on key players
The hosts have been hit with a series of injuries as the quartet of Tom Blundell, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Mitchell Santner have been ruled out of the second Test. Uncapped wicket-keeper Mitchell Hay is set to replace Blundell in the XI. All-rounder Kristian Clarke and fast bowler Michael Rae are the other replacement players for New Zealand.
XIs
Here are the probable XIs
NZ (Probable XI): Devon Conway, Tom Latham (c), Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young/ Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke/Michael Rae, Zakary Foulkes, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy. WI (Probable XI): John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (c), Tevin Imlach (wk), Kemar Roach, Johann Layne, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields.
Performers
Here are the key performers
Kemar Roach not only scored a resilient fifty in the fourth innings but also took seven wickets in the series opener. However, Justin Greaves's maiden double century stole the show in that game (202* from 388 balls). Kane Williamson is the leading run-getter in Tests in Wellington, having recorded 1,538 runs at 64.08. Ravindra made a fiery 185-ball 176 in the third innings of the first Test.
Poll
