NZ v Aus 1st Test Preview: Brendon McCullum to steal the spotlight

The first Test between New Zealand and Australia to be played at Wellington poses a series of uncertainties for both sides. The wicket, that is expected to be a green-top surface, is expected to test the batsmen. Having not faced each other in a bilateral series for five years, the Kiwis made the short trip to the north. History was made with the first ever day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval. However, matters went from bad to worse when New Zealand was trashed out of sight in the Test series. With the tables turned considerably, New Zealand will be looking for their first series win over Australia since 1986. The interesting twist to the series is Brendon McCullum’s 100th Test. However, with both sides meeting on New Zealand soil for the first time in 5 years, a feisty encounter is on the cards.

New Zealand:

Apart from a few injuries, the New Zealand side is more or less predictable. Left-handed batsman Henry Nicholls has been drafted into the squad following an injury to Ross Taylor. Off-spinner Mark Craig comes in for the injured Mitch Santner. The Kiwis will be boosted by the return of Tim Southee. The 27-year-old seamer will be paired with the irresistible Trent Boult, thus forming a deadly new-ball partnership. Doug Bracewell and Corey Anderson will be expected to support the bowling stalwarts. Most of the focus will be on New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum. Apart from trying to finish on a high, McCullum will also attempt to secure New Zealand’s first win at home after 26 years.

Australia:

After turning a few heads with their World Cup squad, the Aussies have thrown another curve ball with the Test side for the series. Unable to select Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Jackson Bird have been drafted into the side. The inclusion of Bird has come as somewhat a surprise following decent performances from the likes of Scott Boland and Joel Paris. The selectors have shown faith in Usman Khawaja as he too is named in the squad following his exploits in the ODI series. Adam Voges too has been named in the squad following his impressive batting display against the West Indies. Despite being left out of the World T20 squad, Nathan Lyon has been given the nod for the Test series. Josh Hazelwood will be expected to spearhead the Aussie bowling attack.

Weather and pitch conditions:

A hint of rain is expected in New Zealand while it is expected to be a chilly morning. The pitch is expected to be a green-top and extremely favourable for bowling.

Probable XI:

New Zealand:

Brendon McCullum (C), Martin Guptill, BJ Watling (wk), Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham, Corey Anderson, Tim Southee, Mark Craig, Doug Bracewell, Trent Boult

Australia:

Steve Smith (C), Joe Burns, Peter Neville (wk), Peter Siddle, Jackson Bird, Adam Voges, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Josh Hazelwood

Stats

1. Brendon McCullum is the only player in Test Cricket history to play 100 consecutive test matches. McCullum has played in every New Zealand Test match since his debut in 2006.

2. New Zealand has failed to beat Australia in their own backyard since 1986.

3. The last time an Australian side toured New Zealand was in 2010. Steve Smith, Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill and Tim Southee are the only players to have played in the 2010 series who are in the squad now.Australia will go top of the ICC World rankings should they win the series.

4. Australia will go top of the ICC World rankings should they win the series.