NZ vs ENG 2nd Test Prediction 24 Feb 2023

The English side will take the field at the Basin Reserve on Friday with a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series against the Black Caps.

• After an emphatic victory in the first Test, the visitors will be looking to clinch the series with another impressive performance.
• New Zealand was outplayed by Ben Stokes’ men in the first test and would hope for a better showing in this game to level the series.
• Both teams are out of contention for the final of the World Test Championship.

NZ vs ENG – 2nd Test – Venue Details

Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington

Date: 24th February 2023

Time: 11:00 (local), 22:00 (GMT)

NZ vs ENG – 2nd Test – Team Previews

England

England’s Test team has been in sensational form under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendan McCullum. The team is one match away from clinching yet another series victory after their resounding 267-run win over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.

Their victory was England’s first Test win in New Zealand in 15 years and their 10th win in 11 matches. Moreover, it was their first-ever overseas win in a day-night Test with the pink ball.

In the match, England batted first and scored 325 runs, thanks to Harry Brook and Ben Duckett who scored 89 and 84 runs respectively. James Anderson, who became the world’s top Test bowler at the age of 40, took seven wickets, including 4-18 in the second innings, while Stuart Broad picked up four wickets in the match.

The pair also became the second bowling partnership in history to claim 1,000 Test wickets together. Despite some doubts about the fitness of England’s senior seamers, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson, and Stuart Broad have been passed fit for the upcoming Test match. As a result, Olly Stone and Matthew Potts will have to wait for their chance as England has named an unchanged XI.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s recent form has been unimpressive, with just five wins in their last 16 matches. They were outplayed in the first Test, and the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on their preparation didn’t help matters. Bowlers Scott Kuggeleijn and Blair Tickner were brought in for the opening match, with Tickner playing despite his father’s home being destroyed in the storm. However, their attack was unable to contain England’s dominant batting performance.

Although wicketkeeper Tom Blundell scored a century in the first innings and Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell both scored fifties, the rest of the team struggled, and they were dismissed for just 126 in the second innings.

New Zealand will welcome back Matt Henry, who missed the first Test for the birth of his child. His experience with the new ball will be invaluable to a relatively inexperienced bowling unit, which was exposed in the first Test. Despite Blair Tickner and Scott Kuggeleijn showing spirit in the face of adversity, it remains to be seen whether they will retain their places in the team, especially with Wagner also available for selection.

NZ vs ENG – 2nd Test – Probable Playing XI’s

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Williamson, Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Tim Southee (Cap), Neil Wagner, Blair Tickner

England: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (Cap), Ben Foakes (wk), Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Anderson

NZ vs ENG – 2nd Test – Pitch Report and Toss Prediction

The wicket in Wellington has been conducive to batting, but there is still some assistance for pacers. It is recommended that teams bat first and set a competitive total. The pitch is not likely to offer much turn to the spinners in the initial stages of the game. There is a possibility of rain on the first two days of the Test.

NZ vs ENG – 2nd Test – Match Prediction

England are in prime form at the moment, with their batsmen and bowlers firing on all cylinders. But New Zealand shouldn’t be taken too lightly, especially at home where they haven’t lost a series since 2017. With the possibility of rain on the first couple of days, this test could be headed towards a draw. But we expect New Zealand to spring a surprise and level the series.