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ENG vs NZ 2nd Test- Match Preview
After the first drawn Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's, all the focus now shifts to the series decider at Edgbaston in Birmingham. It will be the final opportunity for New Zealand to sharpen its tools ahead of the all-important WTC final against India starting June 18.
On the other hand, the home team will be keen to secure a series win at the start of the home summer. While many believed it was an opportunity lost for England for not showing a desire to chase down the target on Day 5, the hosts would aim to put up a stronger performance against the Kiwis.
ALSO READ When and Where to Watch ENG vs NZ 2nd Test?
It was a great tussle between bat and ball in the first Test match and fans would expect a similar fight from the teams in the second Test beginning June 10. While some lesser-known names had a game to remember, a few of the seasoned campaigners are yet to go all cylinders firing in the series. With Kane Williamson ruled out of the 2nd Test owing to his elbow injury, Kiwis will hope Latham can do the job as a stand-in captain. On the other hand, England will expect superior performance from the duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Before we take a look at ENG vs NZ Today's Cricket Match Prediction, here's a look at what does 2nd Test has to offer:
ENG vs NZ – Predicted Playing XIs for the 2nd Test Match
England
The host dressing room would have had mixed emotions at the end of the first Test match. While England didn't do much wrong at Lord's, they didn't even many standout individual performances for the course of the five days. Except for Rory Burns' gutsy knock in the first innings, none of the English batters could hold the fort against the Kiwi attack.
In the absence of senior players, the young likes of Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, and Dan Lawrence, couldn't make a great case for themselves. Nonetheless, the home team is likely to show faith in their young batting group. The only change in the playing XI might see Ollie Robinson missing out after an impressive debut. The Sussex-bowler has been replaced by Dom Bess in the England squad for the 2nd Test.
Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (c), Ollie Pope, James Bracey (wk), Dan Lawrence, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jack Leach, Mark Wood.
New Zealand
It was a decent game for the visitors who were in with a great chance to force the result on Day 5 of the first Test. However, they will expect a much-improved performance from the likes of Tom Latham and Ross Taylor. Being the backbone of the Kiwi middle-order, both the senior players had an average outing with the bat.
It was courtesy of a double century debut by Devon Conway that propelled the BlackCaps to a dominant position in the Test match. However, the tourists will make a forced change as Williamson misses out due to his injury. Will Young will replace the Kiwi skipper to bat at No.3 in the batting order. Trent Boult might be included if the relaxed English quarantine norms make him available for the second Test at Edgbaston.
Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner
ENG vs NZ Head-to-Head record in Test cricket
Matches: 106
England won: 48
New Zealand won: 11
Draw: 47
Looking at head-to-head England vs New Zealand records in Test cricket, England has a profound lead over their counterparts. Having faced each other in 106 matches, England triumphed in 48 encounters whereas the opposition has authored victory in barely 11 matches. Hence, it will be exciting to watch out whether skipper Kane Williamson and his brigade defy the number logic and turn the tables on their side.
ENG vs NZ Second Test Match- Players to Watch out for
England will intend to outperform in the batting order taking lessons from the first Test match. Having succumbed to a paltry of 275 runs in the first innings, the hosts will press for a solid start to their innings and set the foundation for the team’s run-hunt. While all eyes will be on Rory Burns for a brilliant century knock, a few will also be on Dominic Sibley and Zak Crawley as they failed to make a committed start to their innings. Moreover, James Anderson and Stuart Broad will be hungry to pick some quick ones in the second Test match.
New Zealand has a strong batting order which can stand upright even on an overseas tour. Devon Conway will be the player to watch out for in the second test against England. His brilliant 200-run knock drew immense praise from the fans and experts. Eventually, he must focus on being consistent with the willow. Also, Kyle Jamieson may do some magic with the red-ball in the second test match.
ENG vs NZ Today Match Prediction – Who will win today’s Test match?
England and New Zealand were evenly matched in the first Test. Both the teams failed on the batting front except for exemplary individual performance from their opening batsman. Even in the second Test at Edgbaston, bowling could play a decisive factor for both teams. Despite having a rather substandard show by the English attack, the home team will start as favorites. As a result, England might win the second Test match.
