The World Test Championship has gained momentum since the completion of the T20 World Cup. England are touring New Zealand for a two-match Test series where they have already shown their dominance in the first fixture by winning it on Day 4 itself. The second Test will begin on 24th February at the Bay Oval.
The defending World Test Champions, New Zealand, are struggling in the ongoing session of the Test format. They are finding it difficult to make an impact in the longest format of the game.
England have completely changed their style of playing in the Test format. The combination of Brandon McMullen and Ben Stokes is working in favour of the team and they are dominating the red-ball format. And according to the top bookmakers in India, they are favourite to win the second Test as well.
England will beat New Zealand in the 2nd Test
The betting tip is...
Joe Root to score above 100 in the 1st innings
New Zealand are going through a major dip in form in recent times when it comes to the red-ball format. Kane Williamson has turned out to be a huge disappointment as he failed to score in both innings.
Tom Blundell scored a century in the first inning at a strike rate of 76.24 Devon Conway also gave his team a good start but there was no support from the other end.
New Zealand are not expected to make any changes in their playing XI despite losing the first Test.
Predicted Lineup: Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Neil Wagner, Henry Nicholls, Michael Bracewell, Kane Williamson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Blundell, Blair Tickner, Tim Southee, Devon Conway
Without a doubt, England have become the biggest contender for the World Test Championship trophy. However, they are still behind the qualification criteria as the English squad is currently at the 5th spot in the point table with 124 points.
Zack Crawley’s dipping performance has become one major point of concern for the team. The team have a good momentum going and they will look forward to completely wipe out the hosts by winning the 2nd Test as well.
England have the right winning combination and we don’t expect any changes in the same.
Predicted Lineup: Joe Root, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Stuart Broad, Zak Crawley, Ollie Robinson, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Harry Brook, James Anderson, Ben Stokes
England have a winning momentum going on and they have good records on the foreign pitches. We predict another win for Ben Stokes and the company.