A fairly one-sided series opener has left New Zealand as a long shot to get anything at all from this series. James Richardson previews the second Test.
New Zealand v Australia – Second Test
Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Friday 8- Tuesday 12 March
The hosts will need a win to share the series but cannot claim the trophy after a loss in the opening match.
For the second and final Test, the action moves to Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The venue has seen New Zealand win six of their last seven Tests but Australia have not lost a Test match in Christchurch since the venue was rebuilt.
To Win Match
New Zealand 5/2 | Draw 8/1 | Australia 5/10
New Zealand need to find a way to stand up to the Australian pace attack better than in the series opener and Tom Latham and Kane Williamson will be at the heart of that.
While Glenn Phillips top-scored for New Zealand in the series opener, the Black Caps will want to ensure he isn’t left with that kind of workload again.
Ben Sears will make his Test debut after being announced in the XI for the hosts.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s attack will be spearheaded by Matt Henry who has been their best fast bowler across the summer.
Pat Cummins skippers Australia and will be out to continue bullying batting lineups on the Hagley Oval pitch.
The surface might prove better suited to the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green though. Australia’s pace strength stands them in good stead on this pitch regardless of how it plays.
Green is also set to be a key top-order batter after a great start to the series and many consider him a top option to assume the opening role.
Even on this kind of track, Nathan Lyon is always a key player for Australia especially if things don’t go to plan.
Verdict: Australia 5/10
If the first Test is anything to go by, Australia should win this comfortably.
