New Zealand Seeks Redemption Against England in Wellington Thriller

Just over 21 months ago, New Zealand edged past England by a single run in a nail-biting Test in Wellington, leveling the 2023 series at 1-1 after a loss in Mount Maunganui. Now, in a similar scenario, the hosts are eager to make a statement following their comprehensive defeat in Christchurch last week.

A victory in this match would not only restore pride but also dampen England’s hopes of securing their first series win in New Zealand since 2008. However, both sides have had their setbacks. The teams were penalised three points for slow over-rates in the Christchurch Test, leaving Ben Stokes visibly frustrated. The deduction pushed New Zealand down to fifth in the World Test Championship standings, intensifying their need to win the series to keep their final hopes alive.

Challenges and Opportunities for New Zealand

New Zealand faces pressing concerns with batting consistency and fielding lapses. Devon Conway and Tom Blundell, averaging 23.43 and 15.88 respectively in 2024, need to deliver big performances. Adding to their woes, the team dropped eight catches in the last match, including five reprieves for Harry Brook during his explosive 171.

On a brighter note, Kane Williamson’s seamless return to the squad was a significant positive. The veteran batter led the charge with two half-centuries at the Hagley Oval, proving his class once again. However, New Zealand’s record at the Basin Reserve remains patchy, with just 23 wins in 68 Tests, alongside 21 losses and 24 draws.

England Riding High

England will be keen to carry their momentum from Christchurch into Wellington. Harry Brook’s stellar hundred and Brydon Carse’s maiden ten-wicket haul underlined their dominance. Contributions from Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, and debutant Jacob Bethell further solidified their all-round performance in the first Test.

The visitors are determined to rewrite history in Wellington, but the question remains: can New Zealand replicate their 2023 heroics and mount a strong comeback?

Match Details

• Dates: December 6 to December 10, 2024
• Start Times: 11:00 AM Local | 10:00 PM GMT (Dec 5) | 3:30 AM IST

Team News

New Zealand

The hosts will stick with their XI from the first Test, relying on Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra as their spin options.

• Probable XI: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (C), Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell (wk), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke

England

The visitors have also opted for an unchanged XI.

• Confirmed XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (wk), Ben Stokes (C), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir

As the series heads to the New Zealand capital, all eyes are on whether England can clinch a historic series win or if the hosts can produce another unforgettable comeback.