Kane Williamson confirms Todd Astle's participation in Auckland

New Zealand and England are geared to face each other in a Day/Night Test match at the Eden Park in Auckland. The game is slated to enter the record books, being the inaugural Test match in New Zealand under the lights. The Kiwis has previously played one Day/Night Test back in 2015 against Australia. However, they tasted defeat by three wickets against Steve Smith’s men.

While speculations and predictions have been made pertaining to the historic game, Kane Williamson has revealed the playing eleven for the game. Meanwhile, he also confirmed Todd Astle, the leg-spinning all-rounder, participation in the series. The Black Caps released the playing eleven in their official Twitter handle.

Kane Williamson has confirmed Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. Our XI – Latham, Raval, Williamson, Taylor, Nicholls, Watling, de Grandhomme, Astle, Southee, Wagner, Boult. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/N95xkXrai6

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 21, 2018

A strong team altogether

The Eden Park is historically known for producing bowling-friendly wickets. Hence, it doesn’t spring a surprise that they have included three quality seamers in the lineup in the form of Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Trent Boult. Southee and Boult have been indispensable elements of the Kiwis bowling setup for several years and will be required to hit their straps early.

Wagner has also been exceptional with his left-arm seam bowling. Colin de Grandhomme’s medium pace might also come handy for the Kiwis. The batting lineup looks formidable as well. The team has depth in their batting with Southee slotted at number nine. Ross Taylor sparked a leg injury during the ODI series, however, he has recovered and will take the field in tomorrow’s game.

Kane Williamson has been a stalwart in their lineup and the captain needs to come to the party for New Zealand to dominate the visitors from the outset. BJ Watling has also returned to the playing eleven after missing the series against the Windies. New Zealand and England have had contrasting fortunes in their previous series. While the Kiwis annihilated the Windies, England slumped against Australia by 4-0 in the Ashes.