The never-ending schedule continues for the Indian cricket team as they host the number one Test side in the world, New Zealand, looking for revenge over the World Test Championship final.
This series has snuck in under the radar, especially amidst all the Ashes build up, but should be a thriller.
Unfortunately, it remains a two-match series.
India have decided to adopt an England-esque strategy of rotating players to avoid bubble fatigue, and I applaud this. The series is important, but the Indian cohort has been playing nonstop since June and their schedule is packed until mid-next year as well, with their tour of South Africa starting just ten days after the end of this series.
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant are rested for the series, Virat Kohli will miss the first Test, while KL Rahul is out with a muscle strain.
Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
The pace absences shouldn’t be too significant with adequate cover in the form of Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma, plus spin carries the burden at home. The batting could be under pressure, and it could be one of the last opportunities for Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to prove they are still locks in the side.
Mayank Agarwal should come in for Rohit and Wriddhiman Saha for Pant. There is also a middle order opportunity, and potential light on the future, for Shubman Gill and maybe even Shreyas Iyer. However, with Rahul out, it seems Gill will open and one of Iyer or Suryakumar Yadav will debut.
My predicted XI: Gill, Agarwal, Pujara, Iyer/Yadav (Kohli), Rahane, Jadeja, Saha, Ashwin, Axar , Ishant, Siraj
New Zealand are playing their first Test since the WTC final, and will be keen to continue their success in more foreign conditions.
Their last tour of Asia was in 2019, when they drew 1-1 against Sri Lanka. They also beat Pakistan in the UAE in late 2018, so expect them to give India a real fight.
The Kiwi squad has no big surprises, with a more extra spinners than normal of course. Unfortunately for NZ, their in-form batter, who has been an instant success on the international scene, Devon Conway misses out due to his moment of madness in the T20 WC semi, with Daryl Mitchell coming in.
The batting is solid, but the spinners may be sub-par for this series. Keep an eye out on potential debutant Rachin Ravindra, a solid batsman who can also chip in with some left-arm spin.
On the pace front, Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhome have been rested and this will be the side’s first series without BJ Watling since his retirement.
My predicted XI: Blundell, Latham, Williamson, Taylor, Nichols, Ravindra, Phillips, Santner, Jamieson, Patel, Southee
This series will be competitive. Let’s hope for some fair pitches this time, especially ones where the toss isn’t the be all and end all.
India’s batting is certainly fragile, even at home, as shown by England earlier this year. However, I except India to win the series, with their bowling attack.
New Zealand will show spirit, but I have doubts they will be able to adapt to the conditions.
Prediction: 2-0 to India
Arj
Roar Rookie
I would say India are probably just above par. Yeah the odd ball is keeping low and spinning, plus there's enough for the pacers. Yet Shreyas and Jadeja made it look alright. You are right about the 4th innings. I reckon even 150 could be a tough chase.
whymuds
Roar Rookie
Stokes gets more press, he's a big game winner, but surely Sir Ravi is the best all rounder in tests over the past few years! He's done pretty well recently in Aus and Eng too.
whymuds
Roar Rookie
Thoughts on par score? A few balls keeping low and NZ pace getting some movement - not sure Umesh and Ishant will generate as much. Batting 4th innings on this pitch will be bloody tough.
Arj
Roar Rookie
Excellent stuff from Jamieson, matched by a very solid start from Shreyas Iyer. This India lineup bats deeps they’ll still be targeting 400, from NZ’s perspective they need to keep them below 350.
Micko
Roar Rookie
At least Jamieson has shown he'll turn it on anytime, anywhere! :thumbup: :cricket:
Micko
Roar Rookie
That's what I thought! I couldn't imagine him breaking down at all. The guy is a beast!
Targa
Roar Rookie
Sign of madness! India on top now 217/4 Needed Wagner
Micko
Roar Rookie
Stop responding to yourself Targa! :laughing:
Targa
Roar Rookie
And Southee gets Pujara. Jadeja at 6 so just need to keep probing away
Targa
Roar Rookie
Another one for Jamieson. 2/12 off 7 overs on a road in India. Now averaging 12.22 vs India (18 wickets in 110 overs)
Targa
Roar Rookie
Wicket for the big man too. The Indians played and missed before Agarwal nicked behind. Southee thought he had an LBW earlier (given but inside edge on review). Ajaz Patel with some early spin. 24/1 in the 10th over. Need to get Pujara.
Targa
Roar Rookie
Some swing for Jamieson
Targa
Roar Rookie
Looking forward to Rachin Ravindra's debut. Probably the most exciting young Kiwi batsman since Williamson ( young Latham might edge him) and most exciting young spin bowling option since Vettori. If he does well will move to test opener in a couple of years (move Conway to 4 when Taylor retires(.
Targa
Roar Rookie
Yeah Southee over Wagner. Jamieson needs to hit the cracks before it starts spinning.
Targa
Roar Rookie
India has won the toss and are batting. Anything over 300 (maybe 250) and this will probably be an Indian win. Need early wickets and a crack at Pujara and Rahane.
Targa
Roar Rookie
And now the NZ media are suggesting Santner too. Seems a real waste of Rachin R.
Arj
Roar Rookie
In theory he seems such a solid cricketer, but just doesn't have enough edge to his bowling in reality I guess.
Targa
Roar Rookie
Cricinfo seems convinced Santner will play. Almost no one in NZ thinks that. I'm hoping cricinfo has got it wrong.
U
Roar Rookie
I have more confidence in the Kiwis beating the top teams then I do the Aussies. Sad to say
Targa
Roar Rookie
No problem. Good preview.