Fierce rivals New Zealand and Australia are all set to lock horns against each other in the first test of the two-match test series, starting this Thursday. The first test will be played at Wellington’s Basin Reserve Stadium, and the match will commence at 3:30 am IST. The two-match test series between the Trans-Tasman rivals is part of the World Test Championship 2023–25 cycle.
Following the conclusion of the first test match, the two teams will then travel to Christchurch to play in the second and final test matches, which will be played on March 8 at the Hagley Oval Stadium.
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The hosts would be looking to bounce back with a dominating performance in the test series after getting whitewashed 3-0 in the recently concluded three-match T20 International series against Australia. The Kiwis are coming off a 2-0 test series win against South Africa, while the Australians drew the two-match test series against the Windies 1-1.
New Zealand, currently sitting comfortably at the top of the WTC 2023–25 overall standings, has secured victories in three games and lost one match against Bangladesh in the current WTC cycle. The Australians, on the other hand, are currently in the third position in the WTC standings, with six wins, three defeats, and one drawn match next to their name.
Ahead of the two-match test series against Australia, the hosts have announced their squad of 14 players, led by Tim Southee. Seamer Scott Kuggeleijn has earned a recall to the test squad of the Black Caps in order to replace the injured Kyle Jamieson, who was ruled out of the test series due to a stress fracture.
Young Kiwi pacer Will O’Rourke has retained his position in the test squad following an impressive test debut outing against the Proteas, as he picked up nine scalps against them.
On the other hand, defending WTC Champions Australia would be looking to continue their dominance against the Black Caps, as they have not lost a test series in New Zealand since 1994. The visitors have managed to win nine test matches and draw one test in the last 10 games that have taken place between the two teams.
Aussie all-rounder Michael Neser has been called back to the test squad of the Kangaroos ahead of the two-match test series against the Black Caps. After the retirement of David Warner from the longest format of the game, Steven Smith is likely to continue opening the innings for the visitors.
NZ vs AUS, Head-to-Head Record in Test Cricket
The Aussies have dominated New Zealand in the longest format of the game, as they have won 34 games out of 60 matches, whereas the Black Caps have tasted success in just eight encounters out of 60. 18 matches between the two sides have ended in a draw.
- Matches Played: 60
- New Zealand won: 8
- Australia Won: 34
- Draw: 18
Where can I watch the first Test match between Australia and New Zealand in India?
The first test match between Australia and New Zealand will be broadcast live on the application and website of Amazon Prime Video in India. No sports channel in India will offer the live telecast of the Test Series between Australia and New Zealand on television.
New Zealand vs Australia: Test Series Full Schedule
February 29-March 4: 1st Test, Basin Reserve Stadium, Wellington (3:30 AM IST)
March 8–12: 2nd Test, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (3:30 AM IST)
New Zealand’s Test Squad
Kane Williamson, Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, and Will Young
Australia’s Test Squad
Steve Smith, Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, and Mitchell Starc.
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