New Zealand vs Australia, 1st Test: Squad, Match Prediction, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, and Live Streaming Details

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New Zealand vs Australia, 1st Test

Australia and New Zealand will play their first two Test matches of the series on February 29 at Wellington’s Basin Reserve. After that, the second and last Test will take place in Christchurch at the Hagley Oval.

In the three-match T20I series, Australia dominated the Kiwis with a commanding score. In order to win the series, they put up a strong all-around performance, which they will be looking to repeat in the Test series.

Earlier this month, South Africa was the opponent for New Zealand’s last Test match. They won 2-0 against the South African team that wasn’t playing at its best. Tim Southee will remain the Kiwis’ captain in the longest format, and he’ll be looking to get the series off to a winning start.

Australia last played the West Indies at home in a two-match series. They almost swept the series after winning the first game, but lost by eight runs. In the longest format, Pat Cummins‘ Australian team will be trying to return to winning ways.

Australia and New Zealand will be vying for an early advantage in the Test series as the Trans-Tasman rivalry in cricket gets underway on Thursday. Neil Wagner, who just announced his retirement, will not be playing for the hosts in what looks to be a spectacular series.

New Zealand vs Australia Match Details

Match: New Zealand vs Australia, 1st Test, Australia tour of New Zealand, 2024

Date and Time: February 29 – March 4, 2023, 3:30 AM IST

Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington

New Zealand vs Australia Head-to-Head

In Test cricket, New Zealand and Australia have played each other 60 times. Of them, 34 have been won by Australia, while just eight have been won by New Zealand, with 18 of those victories ending in draws.

Matches played: 60

New Zealand won: 8

Australia won: 34

Drawn: 18

Pitch Report

There is balance in the pitch in the Basin Reserve. Because the new ball tends to travel a considerable deal, the bowlers will have plenty of help early on. The surface won’t provide the spinners with much grip. Once hitters get their eye in, there will be runs available to them.

Weather Forecast

It is anticipated that the Test’s first day would be between 12 and 19 degrees Celsius. Over the latter two days of the Test, there’s a good likelihood of rain.

Match Prediction

The focus now switches to the longest format after Australia easily won the three-match T20I series. Having just thrashed the Proteas in the home Test series, New Zealand will be hoping to build on that victory when they take on the Australians.

Australia confirm their playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand 🇦🇺 #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/5fgFhyNZA7
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 28, 2024

New Zealand vs Australia Squad

New Zealand : Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee (c) William O’Rourke

Australia : Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood