New Zealand vs England, 2019: 2nd Test - Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The second Test of the two-match series between New Zealand and England will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

The match starts at 11:00 AM Local (03:30 AM IST) (10:00 PM GMT – Previous Day). The match will be telecasted on Star Sports while its online stream can be watched on Hotstar.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

The reprehensible ‘racial slur’ hurled by a section of local fans at Jofra Archer during the fifth day of the 1st Test at Bay Oval hogged all the headlines in the aftermath of the game. But that should not shrug away the fact that England was humbled by an innings and 65 runs in what was another appalling display in overseas Tests by Joe Root’s men.

The innings defeat at the Bay Oval was England’s third defeat in five overseas Tests this year, and it once again exposed their two perennial issues- lack of big scores and the recent slump in form of Joe Root and their bowlers’ inability to take wickets on flat decks.

The hosts, who haven’t lost a Test at home in the last 32 months, made full use of England’s shortcomings and riding on the back of record-shellacking partnership between BJ Watling and Mitchell Santner, coupled by a five-wicket haul from Neil Wagner, coasted towards a commanding win.

England would seek some inspiration from the fact that New Zealand will be without Trent Boult and Colin de Granddhomme, both of whom are nursing their injuries. But they know that the Kiwis have enough firepower in their bench, and they’ll have to put forward their best step if they are to assume parity in the 2-match series.

Weather Report

To being with, it will be sunny in Hamilton. But the dark clouds will start hovering by 12 PM and there is a possibility of rain on the first day. The forecast is not so encouraging for the rest of the days either and we might face a lot of interruptions in the match.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The last time New Zealand played a Test match at Seddon Park, each of its top-3- Jeet Raval (132), Tom Latham (161) and Kane Williamson (200*)- scored a hundred as the hosts piled up 6-715. Much of the same can be expected in the upcoming Test. But with the rain around, the ball is likely to do the talking as well.

Average first innings score at this venue: 301 (In 25 Test matches at the venue)

Injury and Availability News:

Colin de Grandhomme and Trent Boult have been ruled out due to injury from the second Test. Daryl Mitchell has been called in as cover for de Grandhomme while either of Matt Henry/Lockie Ferguson is expected to replace Trent Boult.

Jos Buttler tweaked his back in the gym which means Zak Crawley could be in line for a Test debut while Ollie Pope could take up the gloves.

Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand

Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry/Lockie Ferguson.

Bench- Todd Astle, Tom Blundell

England

Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK)/Zak Crawley/Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer

Bench- Jonny Bairstow, Mark Parkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Zak Crawley/Jos Buttler/Chris Woakes.

Top Picks

New Zealand- New Zealand’s imperious batting unit- one that boasts of consistent performers like Tom Latham, BJ Watling, Jeet Raval, and Henry Nicholls- has been the cornerstone for their success at home, along with the usual prospects in Williamson and Ross Taylor.

Tim Southee (five wickets) and Neil Wagner (eight wickets) will once again be the cornerstone of their fast bowling unit in the absence of Boult while Mitchell Santner, who scored a hundred and claimed three wickets will serve as the all-rounder.

England – The visitors will hope that their top-order- Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, and Joe Denly- kick on and score big. All eyes will be on Joe Root, who dropped out of the ICC top-ten rankings for batsmen for the first time since 2014 scored 13 runs across two innings. In the bowling department, the onus will be on Jofra Archer, who managed just a solitary wicket in the first Test to provide the X-Factor.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection-

Captain Options –  BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Ben Stokes

Vice-Captain Options – Mitchell Santner, Jofra Archer, Ross Taylor

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – BJ Watling

Batters –  Ollie Pope, Rory Burns, Kane Williamson (C), Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor

All-Rounders – Mitchell Santner, Ben Stokes (VC)

Bowlers –  Jofra Archer, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – BJ Watling (C)

Batters –  Joe Root, Dominic Sibley (VC),  Tom Latham, Joe Denly, Kane Williamson, Jeet Raval

All-Rounders – Ben Stokes

Bowlers –  Neil Wagner, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer

Expert Advice:

New Zealand’s batting has been in brilliant form on home soil in the past few years. Thus opting for more batsmen from their playing 11 could be worth a punt.

Probable Winners:

New Zealand are expected to win the match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.