New Zealand vs Australia – The Kiwis Are Itching To Bounce Back And Restore Parity In The Second Test

Kane Williamson has chosen to deadbat comments around how all is not well within the New Zealand camp. It’s not something they often have to combat, but in the aftermath of the first Test, which they lost by 172 runs, and Neil Wagner’s retirement that has divided opinion among former players and pundits alike, a few eyebrows are being raised.

It’s under this backdrop that Williamson prepares for his 100th Test, one New Zealand have to win to keep their WTC hopes floating high. Context to every game is perhaps what makes no contest a dead rubber. In any case, there’s enough sibling-like rivalry between both sides to get their competitive juices flowing.

New Zealand will be without Devon Conway, who has fractured his left thumb and has undergone surgery. Rachin Ravindra will share the batting responsibility with Will Young, Williamson, and Glenn Phillips, whose counterattack in the first innings caught Australia off guard.

A hamstring injury has ruled Will O’Rourke ruled out. Tearaway Wellington quick Ben Sears, who has already been capped in white-ball cricket, will get a chance to debut for the Kiwis. Sears hustled Australia in the two T20Is and also knocked over Travis Head. The pacer picked up three wickets in two games, and it’s time he’s let loose with the red ball.

Marnus Labschagne’s last six Test innings have brought him a combined 37 runs, and 26 of those have come in one innings alone. His Test average, which was touching 70 at one point, has dropped below 50 and quite alarmingly since December 2022. Yet, Pat Cummins is wholeheartedly backing him for now.

Alex Carey is another interesting case-in point. He averages a wobbly 23.76 in Tests over the past year, making 594 runs in 26 innings. There are no hundreds in this period. With so many wicketkeepers barging the door down, Carey will be under pressure to keep his spot.

In his new role as an opener, Smith hasn’t been the formidable force he was at No. 3, and he’ll no doubt want a big score to settle some of the nerves. Their rip-roaring bowling attack has allayed any fears over a serious threat of defeats, but one game is all it takes for the wheels to turn.