Contents
- 1 ENG vs NZ – Match Preview
- 2 Match Details
- 3 What to Expect – Pitch Report & Weather Conditions?
- 4 Team News
- 5 Probable Playing XI
- 6 Top Fantasy Picks for ENG vs NZ 2nd Test
- 7 England
- 8 New Zealand
- 9 Dream11 Team Prediction for ENG vs NZ 2nd Test
- 10 Dream11 Match Prediction – Who will win the ENG vs NZ 2nd Test?
ENG vs NZ – Match Preview
English Test summer of 2021 kickstarted with a drawn first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's. The return of Test cricket to the Home of Cricket was made even special as the fans were allowed in the stadium. While the first Test didn't offer optimum results for any of the team, it was a great match for the debutants. Devon Conway made a spectacular double hundred on debut while Ollie Robinson showed great potential in his maiden appearance in Test cricket.
However, the action now shifts to Birmingham for the deciding Test match of the series. The 2nd Test begins on June 10 as both teams would be eyeing an opportunity to secure a series win. A lot will be at stake in the upcoming Test for either of the two oppositions. Kiwis will aim to bring an end to their series-win drought in England since 1999. On their last tour, the BlackCaps could only level the two-match series. On the other hand, the hosts will look to continue their dominance over New Zealand as far as home Tests are concerned.
ALSO READ When and Where to Watch the ENG vs NZ 2nd Test
Match Details
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What to Expect – Pitch Report & Weather Conditions?
The pitch at Edgbaston is expected to be a true Test match wicket. The surface might assist the seamers on the first couple of days and is likely to be equally good for batting. However, as the game progresses, the spinners will also have a role to play with the wear and tear on days four and five. The weather is expected to be sunny on all five days so the batters can help themselves to a huge score. Usually, teams decide to bat first after the winning toss at Edgbaston. The trend is likely to continue even in ENG vs NZ 2nd Test.
Team News
England' will miss the services of Ollie Robinson – the debutant in the first Test match. The Sussex pacer will miss the 2nd Test against New Zealand owing to the suspension due to his racist tweets from 2012-13. England has already included Dom Bess in their squad for the Edgbaston Test. However, it is unlikely for Bess to straightway walk into the playing XI. Either Jack Leach or seam bowling all-rounder Craig Overton could find a spot in England's Test XI vs BlackCaps for the next Test.
In New Zealand playing XI, the injured Kane Williamson will make way for Will young at no.3 in the batting order. Devon Conway played a superb knock on the debut and Nicholls also assisted him really well. However, BlackCaps coach Gary Stead indicated a possible inclusion of Trent Boult in the Kiwi playing XI given his quarantine ends early. Boult might replace Santner, who didn't impress much in the first Test match as the only spinner in the visitors' playing XI.
Probable Playing XI
England: Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (Captain), Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence, James Bracey (wk), Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Mark Wood, James Anderson
New Zealand: Tom Latham (Captain), Devon Conway, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner.
Top Fantasy Picks for ENG vs NZ 2nd Test
England
Joe Root
England skipper Joe Root is currently the best batsman in England's batting lineup. He was in ominous form in the Tests against Sri Lanka and India. The England skipper has begun well with a couple of 40+ scores in the first Test. Root averages 60 at Edgbaston as England skipper with four fifties and a hundred in 9 innings. He's one of the English players who could earn a lot of dream11 fantasy points in the 2nd Test against New Zealand.
James Anderson
James Anderson, the veteran English pacer has managed to achieve longevity in his Test career for England. Just like at most venues in England, he has a really impressive record at Edgbaston. The right-arm medium pacer has managed to grab at least three wickets in each of his outings at Edgbaston since 2004. Once again, Anderson should be a valuable pick in the dream11 Team for the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand.
New Zealand
Tom Latham
In the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson, the onus will be on the shoulders of Tom Latham to lead the side in the 2nd Test vs England. Undoubtedly, it will be a tough task for Latham but the southpaw has proved his ability as a leader even in the past. He looked in good form in both the innings of the first Test at Lord's. In the deciding Test, Latham will hope to convert his starts into a big score in the benefit for his team.
Tim Southee
Tim Southee is a leader of the New Zealand pace attack in the absence of Trent Boult. The medium-pacer had a brilliant outing at Lord's with seven wickets in the Test including a six-wicket haul in the first innings. Southee might yet again prove to a headache for the hosts in seamer-friendly conditions.
Dream11 Team Prediction for ENG vs NZ 2nd Test
Fantasy Playing 11 – Team 1
Wicket-Keeper: BJ Watling
Batsman: Tom Latham (C), Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Devon Conway, Rory Burns
All-Rounders: Colin de Grandhomme
Bowlers: James Anderson (VC), Stuart Broad, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson
Fantasy Playing 11 – Team 2
Wicket-Keeper: BJ Watling
Batsman: Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Joe Root (C), Devon Conway, Rory Burns
All-Rounders: Colin de Grandhomme
Bowlers: James Anderson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee (VC), Mark Wood
Dream11 Match Prediction – Who will win the ENG vs NZ 2nd Test?
Both teams were evenly matched in the first Test at Lord's. However, with the home advantage, England will start as favorites to win the ENG vs NZ 2nd Test in Birmingham. Undoubtedly, New Zealand will put up a great fight, but the hosts might prove too good for them in the series decider.
