IND vs NZ Test series: Full preview, probable teams, pitch report, and more

After a successful T20I series team India will now look to do better in the Test series. The two-test series against New Zealand is starting on November 25 at Kanpur. It will be a huge challenge for the Indian team in the absence of Rohit, Rahul, and Kohli (1st test only). Now, let's take a look at the IND vs NZ test series preview, pitch report, team news, probable playing xi, and much more with SportzPoint.

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IND vs NZ Test series :
Match Details :

2 Match Test series

1st Test
Venue: Green Park, Kanpur.
Date: Nov 25 - Nov 29, 2021
Time: 9:30 am (IST)

2nd Test
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Date: Dec 03 - Dec 07, 2021
Time: 9:30 am (IST)

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Pitch Report : IND vs NZ Test series

1st Test :

The pitch in Kanpur is the typical Indian pitch that gives spinners a lot of assistance as the match progresses. The first two days could be favor batsmen and since it is winter the nip in the air could fast bowlers at least in the initial hours. But in all likelihood, we will see a spin dominating attack from both India and New Zealand sides.

2nd Test :

The pitch is always batting friendly, here batsmen get help and the pitch is less helpful for bowlers. The pitch is made of red clay which makes the surface very tough and the bowlers get an extra bounce. In the Test match, there is no spin at the beginning here, but with the passing of time, from the third day the ball starts to turn very much, the fourth and the fifth day is dominated by the spin bowler, the pitch here is prepared in this way so that the decision can come out.

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IND vs NZ Test series :
Team News :

India :

After a Cleansweep against the New Zealand team in the T20I series, India is looking charged up for their next challenge. Meanwhile, the Indian team will be looking to seal the Test series just like the T20I series. Although, the trouble for India is that they have to play without Rohit, KL, and Kohli (1st test only) in the test series. Rahane to captain the side in the absence of Kohli for the first test only. Kohli will join the squad for the 2nd one.

Mayank and Gill may open in absence of Rahul and Rohit in the team. Meanwhile, it's someone between Surya and Shreyas who will play their debut game for India in the test format. They will play in the middle order as Hanuma is not in the squad. However, the advantage will be on the home side, but we know that the opponents are the world champions. So, the battle will be tough for both sides.

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New Zealand :

The Current World Test Champions New Zealand will be looking to start their next WTC cycle with a series win against India. After a huge loss in the T20I series, NZ will be looking to steal wins in the longer format of the game. The blackcaps skipper Kane Williamson is back at their side after talking rest in the T20I series against India. With Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Kyle Jamieson on their side they are again looking dangerous side in their bowling department.

India will face a new challenge as their key players are missing the series. So, somehow the advantage has with the New Zealand side although, India is playing at their home venue.

IND vs NZ Test series : Possible Playing XI

India :

Shubman Gill, KS Bharat (wk), Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav.

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New Zealand :

Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Will Somerville.