The three-Test series between India and New Zealand has been keenly fought with both sides showing why they are considered two of the most exciting and unpredictable sides in the world at present. The hosts come into this clash on the back of a 197-run thrashing of their opponents at Kanpur, something which would have given them immense confidence ahead of the second Test. The visitors, New Zealand, showed just why they are the most exciting side in the world, putting in a performance in the first Test that did not do justice to the talent they possess. They will now clash for the second Test at the iconic Eden Gardens on Friday. CricketCountry.CricBattle.com
Best economical pick – What has also impressed is the way the Indian bowlers performed, contributing as a unit. Ravindra Jadeja has come of age in the first test with both bat and ball.
Top captains & vice captains – The first test was Vijay and Pujara’s show in the last game, with opener Murali Vijay scoring 65 in the first innings and 76 in the second innings. The star undoubtedly was Cheteswar Pujara, with his 62 in the first innings and 78 in the second innings. Pujara, who has a successful domestic season with a loads of runs under his belt, showing his importance in the Indian setup.
Smart pick – One of the positive thing for New Zealand in the first test was the performance of their spinning all-rounder Mitchell Santner who scored a gritty knock of 32 in the first innings then backed that performance in the second innings by scoring a fighting knock of 71 runs off 308 balls. Santner also took 5 crucial wickets in the first test.
Cautious Pick – Martin Guptill have looked out of sorts in the first test, which has hampered New Zealand chances of giving a solid platform for the rest of the middle order. His failures have ensured that the responsibility of putting up runs is on the shoulders of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.
CircBattle XI – Murali Vijay (c), Cheteshwar Pujara (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Tom Latham, Mitchell Santner, Luke Ronchi, Rohit Sharma
(Soubhagya Swain– Fantasy Guru, CricBattle Analyst)