New Zealand Faces Selection Dilemma for First Test Against India

With the three-match series against India set to kick off in Bengaluru, New Zealand’s attention has turned to the make-up of the Test squad. Gary Stead, the coach of the Black Caps, is looking at a possible team composition that has three seamers or rather opting for a balanced bowling attack. This strategic decision has been forced owing to the depth of the country’s batting line-up and the tactics adopted in that kind of high-stakes series. A new contest is coming up with a different feeling around it too, especially after the leadership change and changes within the team in the recent past.

Seam-Bowler Strategy in Focus

There has been a growing acceptance of the possibility of three seamers playing after the analysis of the previous conditions and results as well as the anticipated conditions at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. New Zealand’s thinking has also been shaped by their last tour of India, where they played three seamers, and the one before that against Bangladesh. The last call on the composition of the bowling unit will be made when the team comes to have a look at the pitch a little closer to the match day. However, in the case of New Zealand going with three seamers, it is likely that the third spinner will not be included in the playing eleven with Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell being the probable casualties.

Adjusting the proclivity for pace bowling may also result to a more lengthier tail than expected even though adjusting the tail is not the intention. The batting options for the lower order would likely see either Tim Southee or Matt Henry occupy the No. 8 spot. While Henry has batted in that position, it has been rare for him to do so. Southee has also batted at No 8 in the past, but he has not done so regularly since the beginning of the year 2020. Therefore, asking the lower-order batsmen to bat up to par could prove to be a dangerous thing to do.

Spin Options and Challenges

If New Zealand decides to lower the spin contingent, off-spinner Glenn Phillips and left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel are likely to be at the forefront. The possible exclusion of a third spinner like Santner or Bracewell means that the Black Caps have to consider the advantages of having a fixed bowling liner up with the need for more spin with the Indian conditions. Given Santner’s poor run of form, which included doing little with both ball and bat against Sri Lanka’s attack, the selectors may opt for an additional seam bowler instead of bringing forth a back-up spinner.

Southee’s Role and Leadership Changes

Issues surrounding the squad leave the composition of the New Zealand team much more complicated due to the change in leadership. Tim Southee has stepped down as captain, and Tom Latham is the new captain. This may bring about changes in the way the players are picked, with the new management aiming at achieving the best possible playing XI. While the captain has appeared inconsistent in his most recent efforts, he is still a key member of the squad. His history of playing in Indian pitches may endear him further to the selectors bearing in mind that he is still undergoing some technical issues with his bowling that the coaches are addressing.

Other Pace Options

The choice of seamers brings about additional options as Henry and Southee are not the only potential fiers as Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears are also in the mix. O’Rourke has turned the corner in his recent outings with a brilliant performance on his debut series in Sri Lanka, where even though he struck eight wickets in the first test, he failed to take any in the second test because of too many dropped catches. On the other hand, Sears may turn out to be an x-factor because of his pace and bounce which will trouble the Indian batsman. Should the management choose to go with three seamers, the technical staff will have to decide on whether to go with the seasoned arm of Southee or the youthful explosion of Sears for a more balanced attack.

Implications for Future Matches

The impact of these approaches will also be analyzed as the series progresses. The chosen line-up for the first Test match might have implications for the way the remaining matches within the series are played. Since there are several places available and several players focusing on them, the internal competition within the squad is quite intense. Fans might be able to find sites to watch live cricket free to enjoy New Zealand vs India for it is anticipated to be an interesting match.

Playing through all those other issues, New Zealand tries to find a way to outplay a strong brigade of Indian players. With the strategic maneuvering regarding the chosen line-up, as well as the prospect of Southee’s reemergence, the Black Caps look forward to competing with the sides that are usually regarded as the godfathers of cricket in their own country.

FAQ

• What are the notable adjustments in New Zealand’s team structure for the first Test match against India?

The team will likely have three seamers, which may expose a longer tail. There have also been leadership changes with Tom Latham taking over from Tim Southee as captain.

• Will there be a greater reliance on pace of spin for the first Test by New Zealand?

The final call will be made based on the type of pitch that shall be in Bengaluru. However, if three seamers are played, there is a possibility that any one of the seam bowlers, either Santner or Bracewell, will be left out.

• What does it mean to have Tim Southee evaluated for the place?

Southee has been out of favour in the recent past which begs the question of his inclusion as other younger faster bowlers who are good for pace such as Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke may be used.

• How are things with Mitchell Santner?

Santner isn’t in the best of shapes right now, and if the team goes in with a heavier focus on pace, he may have to sit this one out.

• Where and how can New Zealand fans watch the series of matches played against India?

Several channels provide live coverage of the series enabling fans to enjoy free live cricket streams.