New Zealand Playing XI: Kane Williamson’s big selection headache in absence of Conway – who will open with Tom Latham? – New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will have some key decisions to make as he ponders his best playing XI ahead of the first Test against India at Kanpur. The injury to Devon Conway and BJ Watling’s retirement have left gaps in the team that won the World Test Championship final, while the absence of Trent Boult will also hurt the Kiwis after the left-armer chose to rest after a packed schedule. Follow Insidesport.in for all New Zealand Playing XI and IND vs NZ LIVE Updates.
New Zealand Playing XI vs India: Kane Williamson’s big selection headache in absence of Conway – who will open with Tom Latham?
Kane Williamson and New Zealand will scramble for options as they look to figure out their best playing XI for the first test against India. With Devon Conway ruled out, the visiting Blackcaps named Daryl Mitchell as his replacement, but the question of who opens the batting alongside Tom Latham still remains. Mitchell made a seamless transition from a lower-order hitter to the top order in the T20 World Cup, and it remains to be seen whether the Kiwis will deploy the same strategy for the IND vs NZ 1st Test.
Will Young and Tom Blundell are the other options at Kane Williamson’s disposal. Blundell has previously opened for New Zealand but could be slotted into his preferred middle-order role after the retirement of BJ Watling. Will Young has also chipped in at the top, but is predominantly a No.4, meaning that one of the three will have to bat out of position during the two Tests.
New Zealand Playing XI vs India: Kane Williamson’s big selection headache in absence of Conway – who will open with Tom Latham?
In Trent Boult’s absence, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner will lead the attack, but a decision on the spin combination needs to be taken. Ajaz Patel is the first choice, while Mitchell Santner and Will Sommerville add further options to the squad. Kane Williamson could opt to play all three spinners in Kanpur depending on the conditions on offer or could opt to play WTC final star, Kyle Jamieson.
Jamieson has a good record against India, but the conditions are quite different from what was on offer during India’s tour of New Zealand and the World test Championship final. The final decision will rest on the pitch, but as things stand, the all-rounder’s spot will be contested between Santner and Jamieson for the IND vs NZ 1st Test.
New Zealand Playing XI vs India: Kane Williamson’s big selection headache in absence of Conway – who will open with Tom Latham?
Predicted New Zealand Playing XI vs India: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner/Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel, Will Sommerville, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner.