New Zealand and Australia are set to face off in the final game of the two-match Test series. The first fixture, held at Basin Reserve in Wellington, saw the hosts succumb to a 172 runs defeat. The upcoming second Test is scheduled for Friday (Mar 8) at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Australia will aim to secure a series whitewash, while the Black Caps will play for pride, seeking to draw the series.
Test Stats and Records at Hagley Oval :
- Total matches: 13
- Matches won batting first: 4
- Matches won bowling first: 8
- Average first innings scores: 291
- Average second innings scores: 310
- Average third innings scores: 271
- Average fourth innings scores: 172
- Highest total recorded: 659/6 (158.5 Overs) by New Zealand vs Pakistan
- Lowest total recorded: 95/10 (49.2 Overs) by South Africa vs New Zealand
Also READ: NZ vs AUS 2024, Test Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK & other countries
Hagley Oval Pitch Report:
The starting stages of a match at Hagley Oval typically provide favourable conditions for pacers, allowing them to exploit swing during the early overs. However, batters are anticipated to gain an advantage over fast bowlers as the ball wears down. Furthermore, spinners have the chance to claim wickets by accurately hitting the optimal length.
Christchurch Weather Forecast:
The weather forecast for the second match between New Zealand and Australia suggests generally favorable conditions, although there will be persistent cloud cover throughout the Test match. The temperature is expected to fluctuate between 16 degrees and 20 degrees Celsius, while humidity will be around 55% to 70%. Wind speeds are anticipated to range between 16 km/h and 26 km/h.
New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test, Playing XI:
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Ben Sears
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood