New Zealand vs Australia – 1st Test Match Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Australia on and what time does it start? New Zealand vs Australia will take place on Wednesday 28th February, 2024 – 22:00 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Australia taking place? New Zealand vs Australia will take place at Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
What channel is New Zealand vs Australia on in the UK? New Zealand vs Australia will be televised in the UK live on TNT Sports
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Australia in the UK? TNT Sports subscribers in the UK can stream New Zealand vs Australia live via discovery+.
THE LOWDOWN
NEW ZEALAND
The New Zealand camp were hit by huge news the day before this first Test as bowler Neil Wagner announced his retirement. Despite being named in the squad, the 37-year-old left-arm pacer wasn’t to be selected for the game and as such has called it a day following a wonderful career which has seen him take 260 Test wickets (the fifth most in New Zealand’s history). The Black Caps are boosted by the availability of batter Rachin Ravindra, who has recovered sufficiently from a knee problem, but opener Devon Conway faces a late fitness test on an injured thumb.
AUSTRALIA
Australia are expected to be at full-strength for this opening Test match, but question marks remain over the form of certain players. Not least batter Marnus Labuschagne, who would no doubt love a big score to silence the doubters, as would all-rounder Cameron Green if selected. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith will continue as Australia’s openers following David Warner’s Test retirement midway through the Australian summer.
THE PREDICTION
The pitch at the Cello Basin Reserve normally favours batting, with fast bowlers also key to any team’s success. In Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins, Australia boast one of the most fearsome pace-bowling trios in world cricket and will fancy their chances as a result. But New Zealand on their own patch are notoriously difficult to beat and an in-form Kane Williamson will no doubt prove very difficult to bowl against. It would be no surprise to see the Black Caps repel the Australians and put a significant number of runs on the board whether they bat first or second. When taking into account the depth of batting within both sides, backing the draw may prove a shrewd move here.
TIP: DRAW
