New Zealand vs England | Cricket Match Prediction | 2nd Test | Dec 06 – Can ENG win the series with one match in hand?

NZ vs ENG Match Analysis

At 04:00 am BST on December 06, 2024, Basin Reserve, Wellington, will host the second Test of a three-match Test series between New Zealand and England.

New Zealand struggled in their previous match in Christchurch, suffering an 8-wicket defeat. The Kiwis will aim to capitalize on home conditions to level the series, while England will be focused on securing an unassailable lead.

England, despite their victory in the previous match, will face a tough challenge ahead. It remains to be seen whether New Zealand can level the series or if England can secure it with another commanding performance.

NZ vs ENG Team Preview & Squads

New Zealand 

New Zealand finds themselves under pressure in this game and must bounce back from their disappointing performance in the last match by focusing on the fundamentals. The batting lineup, which struggled for consistency, will need to step up against a determined England side. Skipper Tom Latham will be counting on key players to deliver a strong performance.

Devon Conway, who faltered in the previous game, must provide a solid start alongside Latham. The team will look to Kane Williamson, whose form is a positive sign, to anchor the middle order along with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell, reliable lower-order contributors, must also step up to the challenge.

In the bowling department, Tim Southee’s experience with the new ball will be crucial, and he must combine with Matt Henry to take early wickets and put England under pressure. Nathan Smith, who impressed in the last match, will aim to build on that performance alongside William O’Rourke. The versatility of Phillips and Ravindra adds depth to the attack, making their contributions pivotal for NZ’s chances. 

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Tim Southee.

England

England faced significant pressure in the previous game against a spirited New Zealand side but delivered a commanding performance to secure a convincing victory. With both the batting lineup and the bowlers stepping up, skipper Ben Stokes will be looking for a repeat display from his team as they aim to take an unassailable lead in the series.

Zak Crawley, who struggled in the last game, needs to find form and provide a solid start alongside Ben Duckett. The middle order looks strong, with in-form players Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, and Harry Brook delivering consistent performances. With depth in the lineup, ENG will also expect valuable contributions from Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, and Chris Woakes.

The bowling unit enters this game high on confidence after an impressive outing. Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes were instrumental in dismantling New Zealand’s top order and will aim to replicate their success. Brydon Carse, fresh off a match-winning spell, will be eager to make an impact once again alongside Ben Stokes and Shoaib Bashir. England’s bowlers are poised to keep the pressure on and guide the team to another victory.

England Squads

England

Ben Duckett, Rehan Ahmed, Olly Stone, Jordan Cox, Jack Leach, Brydon Carse, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Matthew Potts, Zak Crawley, and Chris Woakes.

New Zealand vs England outfield report

Basin Reserve Wellington

The team that bowls first has won three of the previous five games. On the first two days, the wicket is wet, and as the match goes on, the batting conditions get better. The team that wins the toss will not think twice about bowling first in an attempt to capitalize on the circumstances. 

The weather will be suitable for a game, and the skies over Wellington will be clear. 

Fast bowlers will love bowling beneath the clouds, and the wicket will be active. Batsmen must perform according to the ball’s merits. 

New Zealand vs England Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

England won four in their last five meetings, and New Zealand won one.

New Zealand vs England Prediction

Cricket analysts predict New Zealand has a 53% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.