[box type=”shadow” align=”alignleft” class=”” width=””] Cricket Prediction: Problems will embrace the Aussies at times, but the Kiwis will fall from strong situations to help their opponent’s cause. A huge score in the making will fall short. We go with equal likings for the Draw and an Australia win, post the struggle .[/box]

New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test, Hagley Oval – Cricket Preview

Brendon McCullum is set for his last hurrah with the New Zealand side and there couldn’t have been a beeter opponent than neighbours Australia. The Hagley Oval, expected to be sold-out, will be high on emotion as the Blackcaps fight to make it a farewell of dreams for their captain.

Australia though will not be easily overwhelmed and the prospect of becoming the no. 1 test team will egg them on further. What will be of concern for the visitors is their away form which hasn’t been very noteworthy in the last few years.

While McCullum’s sendoff is the primary plot of the match, one particular record will be on the back of every player’s mind – New Zealand haven’t lost a home series since 2012, something they are proud of and will want to safeguard.

LAST 5 COMPLETED TESTS

New Zealand : LWWLD

Australia   : WDWWW

PROBABLE SQUADS

New Zealand – Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, BJ Watling (wk), Mark Craig/Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

Australia – David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith (capt), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird

 

Australia will have to either win or at least draw the 2nd test match if they are to retain the top spot in the ICC Test rankings.

 

Rank	Team	Matches	Points	Rating
1	India	32	3535	110
2	Australia	40	4376	109
3	South Africa	34	3703	109
4	Pakistan	28	2977	106
5	England	45	4610	102
6	New Zealand	36	3578	99