NZ vs AUS Match Preview
New Zealand will have to play without William O'Rourke. The fast bowler has been sidelined by injury. He will likely be replaced the home side's XI by Ben Sears, who could be a promising - albeit untested - pick in your preferred Dream11 team selection. Sears has been in solid form at domestic level.
Marnus Labuschagne's poor form has been a concern for Australia. He managed just nine runs in the first Test. Pat Cummins has backed Labuschagne to come good. But perhaps now is not the time to put him in your Dream11. Kane Williamson is probably a stronger pick in the middle order.
Williamson did not do well in the first Test either, but earlier this year he hit three centuries in one Test series against South Africa. He has almost 9,000 career runs and has been superbly consistent for a long period. This is the time to back him as well.
Among the bowlers, look no further than Nathan Lyon for the first name in your Dream11 team. Lyon spun his way to 11 wickets in the first Test. Conditions in Christchurch should suit the seamers, but there is always room for specialist slow bowlers to take advantage of some turn and bounce.
When considering the many all-rounders available for selection, Cameron Green has to be at the fore of those names. He hit 174 not out and 34 in the series opener - and weighed in with the ball. He is also an excellent fielder. If you are wondering whether to go with Green or Mitchell Marsh, Green is the answer.
Matt Henry took eight wickets in the first Test. There will be even more onus on him to succeed again in the absence of O'Rourke. New Zealand won't have Trent Boult either. Henry bowls with pace, accuracy and aggression - these are key factors for success in Christchurch.
Weather Report
No rain is forecast in Christchurch over the scheduled five days. We are all set for sunny conditions, with occasional cloud here and there.
Pitch Report
The team to win the toss will probably elect to field first. A first-innings total of 350-plus can be competitive. Expect one specialist spinner in each XI.
Notable stats
Tipping Tom Blundell
New Zealand's Blundell is one of the most under-rated wicketkeeper-batters in Test cricket. He is averaging almost 40 after 30-plus Tests. This tally includes four centuries. He's well worth selecting.
Team News
To reiterate, New Zealand will likely replace O'Rourke with Sears - or might consider spinner Mitchell Santer as an alternative. Australia's XI will probably go unchanged, unless Mitchell Starc is rested and MIchael Neser comes in.
NZ vs AUS Probable 11
NZ Playing 11
- Tom Latham
- Will Young
- Kane Williamson
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Blundell (Wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Scott Kuggeleijn
- Matt Henry
- Ben Sears
- Tim Southee (C)
AUS Playing 11
- Steven Smith
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Cameron Green
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (Wk)
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Nathan Lyon
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood
Dream11 Prediction
At home but depleted by injuries, New Zealand are in a precarious position here. Australia, for their powerful bowling resources and balanced batting department, should win this match and conclude a two-nil series triumph.
Top Picks
Cameron Green: Select this star all-rounder, who was player of the match in the first Test.
Rachin Ravindra: For a reliable middle-order cog capable of striking centuries, go for the young New Zealander.
Nathan Lyon: Your Dream11 team needs an in-form spinner - and the Australian stalwart is exactly that.
NZ vs AUS Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Alex Carey (VC)
Batters: Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Travis Head
All-rounders: Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra
Bowlers: Nathan Lyon, Matt Henry, Josh Hazlewood
