Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 14, 2024, 08:35 AM
IND vs NZ: The first match of the three-match Test series between India and New Zealand will be played from October 16, for which the squads of both the teams have been announced. Tom Latham will captain the New Zealand team in this Test series. The Kiwi team had to face a crushing defeat against Sri Lanka in the last Test series, after which veteran bowler Tim Southee decided to step down from the captaincy. Now Southee may also be kept out of the playing 11 in the first Test against India, due to his poor form and an attempt to maintain the right balance of the team. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has also given a statement in this regard.Coach Gary Stead hinted: The focus will be on the balance of the teamNew Zealand head coach Gary Stead shared his views on this Test series against India. He said that Tim Southee's decision to step down from captaincy was the result of mutual talks between the two. According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, Gary Stead said, "We review after every Test series, and during that process Tim and I had a conversation, after which he decided to leave the captaincy. I support his decision." Stead also made it clear that it is very important to maintain the balance of the team, especially when the team's performance is not going well. "We always consider options that will keep the balance of the team and allow us to perform the best. Tim Southee has been an important player for us, but we have to take the right decision keeping in mind the current form and other options in the team," Stead said. Southee's poor form is a matter of concern Tim Southee's recent form has been a cause of concern for the team. He has taken just 8 wickets in his last 11 Test innings, in which his average has been 73.12. This performance is not in line with his reputation, and for this reason he may be dropped from the playing 11 in the first Test. New Zealand need to strengthen their bowling in the Test match against India, and given Southee's form, dropping him from the team is a possible option.Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke's place almost certainIf New Zealand decides to play three fast bowlers in the first Test match, then Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke's place is almost certain. Both bowlers have performed well in recent times and can strengthen the team's fast bowling attack. At the same time, the team will have to choose between Tim Southee and Ben Sears as the third fast bowler.Ben Sears has recently been included in the team, and he is known for his speed and line-length. If the team decides to give a chance to young players, Sears may get preference. However, Southee's experience cannot be ignored either, so it will be interesting to see which direction New Zealand goes in the first Test.New Zealand's challenges and India's upper handNew Zealand will have to play against India on their own ground, which is a big challenge in itself. Spin bowlers dominate Indian pitches, and in such a situation the Kiwi team will have to choose their bowling attack very carefully. At the same time, the Indian team is very strong on its home ground, especially in Test cricket.India has an army of experienced batsmen and skilled bowlers, which can put any opposing team in trouble. Therefore, New Zealand will have to make their strategies precise to win.ConclusionThe first match of the Test series between India and New Zealand will be played from October 16, and before that both the teams have announced their respective squads. Tim Southee's poor form is a matter of concern for New Zealand, and including or excluding him in the playing 11 will be an important decision for the team. At the same time, India will come out with the hope of winning on their home ground. It will be interesting to see how both the teams face their respective challenges.