New Zealand vs. India 2nd Test: Mitchell Santner in, Tim Southee Out?
As New Zealand gears up for the second Test against India, beginning on October 23 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, the Kiwis are riding high on confidence. Their remarkable eight-wicket win in the first Test at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has put them 1-0 ahead in the series, a result that not only shocked India but also broke a 36-year drought for New Zealand, marking their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988.
New Zealand, led by the calm and composed Tom Latham, capitalized on India’s struggles in the first Test to secure a famous victory. Chasing a modest target of 107 on the final day, New Zealand’s top order, led by the dependable Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, made light work of the chase, wrapping up the match in just 28 overs, despite a brief rain delay. The dominant win in Bengaluru has set the tone for the series, and the Kiwis now head into Pune with momentum and belief firmly on their side.
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However, while New Zealand’s squad showed resilience and depth in the first Test, there are likely to be some changes in the lineup for the second Test, particularly given the conditions in Pune. One of the most significant developments is that Kane Williamson, the team’s talismanic captain, will not feature in the second Test due to a lingering injury. His absence in the first Test did not appear to affect New Zealand’s performance, and Tom Latham will continue to lead the side in his absence. But with the pitch conditions in Pune expected to be vastly different from those in Bengaluru, other changes could be on the cards.
Why Could New Zealand Opt for Mitchell Santner?
One of the most talked-about potential changes for New Zealand is the inclusion of left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner in place of experienced fast bowler Tim Southee. The decision would be influenced heavily by the nature of the pitch at the MCA Stadium in Pune, which is expected to be a black-soil track with significantly less bounce than the one used in the first Test. Black-soil pitches in India tend to favor spinners, especially as the game progresses, making Santner a more suitable option to exploit these conditions.
Santner’s inclusion would give New Zealand a strategic advantage, allowing them to bolster their spin attack and take full advantage of a pitch that is expected to assist turn. His ability to bowl tight, economical spells while picking up key wickets could make him a vital player for the Kiwis in Pune. Additionally, Santner is more than handy with the bat, providing New Zealand with depth in their lower order. His all-round ability could balance the side, allowing New Zealand to field a versatile bowling attack without compromising their batting lineup.
On the other hand, dropping Tim Southee would not be a straightforward decision. Southee, one of New Zealand’s most seasoned campaigners, has been a cornerstone of their bowling attack for years. His ability to swing the ball and create opportunities even on flat wickets has made him a constant threat to opposition batsmen. Moreover, his leadership and experience are invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations. Southee’s presence also adds batting depth, as he has contributed crucial lower-order runs in the past.
Despite these attributes, the conditions in Pune may tilt the balance in Santner’s favor. Given the expected nature of the pitch, which is likely to break up and offer more turn as the match progresses, a specialist spinner like Santner could be the game-changer New Zealand needs to maintain their advantage. The decision will ultimately come down to whether New Zealand prioritizes the experience of Southee or the spin-friendly conditions that suit Santner’s skill set.
India Looking to Bounce Back
India, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back after their disappointing performance in the first Test. Playing on home soil, India will be under pressure to level the series in Pune. Historically, India has been nearly unbeatable at home, and the loss in Bengaluru was a rare setback that they will be determined to rectify.
Expect changes to India’s lineup as well. The Pune pitch, known for assisting spin, may prompt India to bolster their spin attack. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to play pivotal roles in this regard. Both are world-class spinners with the ability to trouble any batting lineup on turning tracks. Ashwin’s mastery of variations and Jadeja’s accuracy and sharp turn could be key to India’s chances of taking early wickets and keeping the pressure on New Zealand.
India will also look to their batting order for a stronger performance. In the first Test, they struggled to cope with New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, with key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma failing to make substantial contributions. A more assured and composed batting display will be crucial if India is to post competitive totals and put New Zealand under pressure.
New Zealand’s Key Players
For New Zealand, the second Test presents an opportunity to build on their stunning victory and claim a rare series win on Indian soil. The team has a good mix of experienced players and promising young talent, many of whom performed exceptionally well in the first Test.
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Tom Latham, who has led the team with great poise, will again be crucial at the top of the order. His ability to anchor the innings and see off the new ball will be key, especially if the Pune pitch starts to offer early turn. Alongside him, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Will Young will be looking to continue their solid form and provide New Zealand with the stability they need to build big innings.
In the bowling department, Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner will lead the pace attack, while Santner (if selected) and Ajaz Patel will form a potent spin combination. Jamieson’s ability to generate bounce and movement with the new ball, combined with Wagner’s relentless energy, will test India’s top order. Meanwhile, Patel, who bowled beautifully in the first Test, will be key on a track that is expected to turn from the outset.
The Stage is Set
The second Test between India and New Zealand is shaping up to be a fascinating encounter. With New Zealand holding a 1-0 lead, the pressure will be on India to level the series, while New Zealand will be focused on maintaining their dominance and securing a historic series win.
The potential inclusion of Mitchell Santner in place of Tim Southee reflects New Zealand’s tactical awareness and their desire to adapt to the conditions. Whether this change pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the contest in Pune will be one to watch closely.
With both teams hungry for success and the stakes high, cricket fans can expect an exciting and intense battle between two top-class sides.
