NZ Vs ENG, 2nd Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

England will face the Kiwis for the 2nd test at Wellington [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

New Zealand will face England in the second match of their three-test series. This test is scheduled to take place from December 6 to December 10, starting at 3:30 AM IST at Basin Reserve in Wellington. England currently has the upper hand, leading the series 1-0.

NZ vs ENG 2nd Test: Match Details And Live Streaming

NZ vs ENG 2nd Test: Kiwis Aim Comeback

After a humiliating defeat from Ben Stokes and Co. in their first match, New Zealand will look to turn the tables in their favour at Wellington. After a 8-wicket defeat at Christchurch New Zealand will bank on the ever-reliable Kane Williamson, whose 93-run knock gave a head-start to New Zealand in their first inning.

The batting lineup, led by Latham, Williamson, Rachin Ravindra will also bank on Glenn Phillips for some extra runs while the bowling lineup will be spearheaded by Tim Southee and Matt Henry. The latter picked a four-fer for the team with figures of 84-4. With Nathan Smith and William O'Rourke in the mix, the Kiwis will try to put pressure on England from the beginning of the match.

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NZ vs ENG 2nd Test: England Will Seek Series Seal

Harry Brook and Ollie Pope's partnership of 159 runs gave a strong foundation for England in the first innings of the first test. Brook's unreal 171 off 197 and Pope's 77 of 98 anchored the boost England needed. They will hopefully continue in this form and lead with the bat at Wellington alongside Ben Stokes, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett.

The rising star of England, Shoaib Bashir, will be looking to take wickets at Basin Reserve following his successful performance in Christchurch, where he claimed 4 wickets for 69 runs in the first innings. Brydon Carse could also be a key player, having taken a total of 10 wickets in the match. With Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, and Ben Stokes alongside them, England will have a formidable lineup that could challenge the Kiwi batting order.

NZ vs ENG 2nd Test: Basin Reserve Pitch Report

At Basin Reserve in Wellington, the pitch is expected to feature a lush grass cover, favouring fast bowlers with potential seam movement and bounce on the opening day. Wind conditions will also play a crucial role in how teams bowl. As the match progresses, the surface will lose its greenness, becoming more reliable for batters. Historically, teams batting first have won three of the last five Tests here, so the toss-winning side should consider batting first if the sun is shining, but might opt to bowl if the skies are overcast. 

NZ vs ENG 2nd Test: Key Players & Stats

• Kane Williamson: 369 runs in last 10 innings; 36.9 Average; 52.0 SR
• Daryl Mitchell: 282 runs in last 10 innings; 28.2 Average; 50.4 SR
• Matt Henry: 32 wickets in last 10 innings; 3.24 ER
• Harry Brook: 636 runs in last 10 innings; 63.6 Average; 86.3 SR
• Ben Duckett: 452 runs in last 10 innings; 45.2 Average; 88.6 SR
• Ben Stokes: 319 runs and 6 wickets in last 10 innings; 3.71 ER; 71.2 SR

NZ vs ENG 2nd Test: Confirmed Playing XIs

New Zealand: Tom Latham (capt), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes (capt), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir

NZ vs ENG 2nd Test: Winner Prediction

After England's first Test win and with New Zealand almost out of contention for the World Test Championship finals because of the slow over rate penalty, it's likely that the latter will be low in confidence. England currently leads the head-to-head matchup against New Zealand, having won 53 out of the 113 Tests they have played. However, New Zealand will fight for a comeback and with home advantage, they might win the second test against England.

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