In first Ind vs NZ test match of the series, India will play New Zealand under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane at Green Park stadium in Kanpur on Thursday. India will try to keep going with its winning streak on the Home ground against New Zealand. Indian Team can play with 6 batsmen and 5 bowlers where 3 spinners can be on the playing eleven for this first test. With confirmed positions of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, either Jayant Yadav or Axar Patel could be the third spin option.
66 Years Of The Winning Streak On Home Ground Against New Zealand
Indian played the first test series against New Zealand in 1955-56. In the last 66 years, India has never lost any series from New Zealand. India has played a total of 11 home test series with the Kiwi team. 9 series have been won by India and 2 series were drawn. India will try to keep the record continue while New Zealand will keep an eye on creating the History.
India team will face New Zealand after four years for a home ground series. The last series was played in 2016 where India Clean Swiped New Zealand with a 3-0. Even though after that India had to face a 2-0 series defeat and loss of ICC Test Championship Final against New Zealand, Indian Team will again try to come back on the winning track.
It will be also a test for the new Indian coach Rahul Dravid. Recently India whitewashed New Zealand with 3-0 in the T20 series under Rahul’s guidance. Now all eyes are on Rahul Dravid that what strategy he follows for the test series as a coach.
Opportunity For The Young Players
KL Rahul is out of the series due to his injury is a shock for the team. Also experienced players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not part of the team for the first test match. This Ind vs NZ match is going to be a golden opportunity for the young players to prove themselves. There is going to be a big responsibility on the shoulders of captain Rahane and vice-captain Cheteshwar Pujara.
T20 and ODI player Shreyas Iyer will debut his Red ball career against New Zealand with this Ind vs NZ test match. Shreyas Iyer will be the 303rd Test player to play for India. Shubhman Gill and Mayank Agarwal will be the opening pair for the team.
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