NZ vs ENG Match Prediction- 2nd Test, England tour of New Zealand 2024

England will seek to wrap up the series following an all-round eight-wicket win in Christchurch. Brydon Carse’s unbelievable 10-wicket return rejuvenated England’s bowling and while at it, he became the first English seamer in 16 years to get 10 wickets on foreign soil.

Ben Stokes’ minor back issue remains a concern, but he is expected to play. The batting depth of the team was well exemplified by Jacob Bethell’s debut fifty and Ben Duckett’s aggressive cameo. New Zealand on the other hand with Tim Southee playing in his final Test series faces an uphill battle to level the series.

NZ vs ENG Team Analysis

New Zealand

Tom Latham will captain the New Zealand team in the second Test against England.

Kiwis Skipper didn’t trouble the scorers in 1st test and would like to give its side a solid start in the 2nd test.

Also read: NZ vs ENG Match Preview- 2nd Test, England tour of New Zealand 2024

England

Ben Stokes will be leading England in the 2nd test NZ vs ENG game. Stokes showed some fitness concerns in some phases in the 1st test but is likely to lead England in the 2nd test.

NZ vs ENG Key Factors

Pitch Conditions

The Basin Reserve pitch, which has traditionally favored seamers, offering bounce and movement early due to the green surface, will host the 2nd match. It tends to flatten as the game progresses, favoring batters. Unless cracks develop late, spinners might play a minimal role. Bowlers will likely dictate the game early on.

Form and Fitness

All the named players in the squad are available for the next game. Ben Stokes showed some fitness issues but is likely to be available for the NZ vs ENG 2nd Test. Further reports are awaited.

Tactical Acumen

New Zealand – New Zealand’s top order comes in with questions after 1st test failure in the 2nd NZ vs ENG test. The openers could score only 38 runs collectively in the two innings, while No. 3 Kane Williamson was a solitary bright spot in both innings.

Mitchell showed fight in the second innings but it showed a worrying overreliance on individual brilliance.

They were also undone by England’s relentless aggression. Tim Southee, playing his final series, showed flashes of brilliance with Matt Henry but was not relentless.

If New Zealand cannot rectify their top-order woes and bowling inefficiencies, then Bazball will truck on to another dominant victory.

England- Carse’s fiery spells underlined the depth of pace in England, a factor that will only serve them well as they progress to Wellington.

His second-innings 6 for 42 was England’s best away performance by a seamer since Ryan Sidebottom did it in 2008. Crucially, he exploited the inconsistent bounce with sharp, wicket-taking deliveries that rattled New Zealand’s middle and lower order.

Aggressive batting of England from Ollie Pope and the centurion Harry Brook was a cause of worry for the home side. In the 2nd innings Bethell’s debut fireworks and quick 27 by Ben Duckett put opponents on the back foot.

With Zak Crawley struggling on, England has a soft spot at the top. His Test average against New Zealand is a meager 9.88, which can be targeted if New Zealand refines its new-ball game.

Fitness will be a challenge for England. Ben Stokes has a stiff back, which is a worry because of his all-round value. Carse’s emergence may help alleviate some of the pressure.