Soon, cricket-playing nations around the world will switch their attention to the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. For now, however, the focus continues to be on the longest format of the game, with several series unfolding currently.
Last week saw three teams score comprehensive victories. The West Indies only needed to bat once to wrap up a comprehensive 2-0 series win against Zimbabwe, while India also claimed a 2-0 series lead against Australia, blowing away the visitors through a nine-wicket session in the second Test. England, on the other hand, continued their impressive form with a win against New Zealand by 267 runs.
This week, India and Australia will take a break—one that the Australians will relish as they look to turn around the series before the final two Tests. However, New Zealand and England will be back at it, as will South Africa and the West Indies, who kick off a new series in a week’s time.
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Here’s a preview of these two matches.
New Zealand vs. England Second Test
When: (February 24th – 28th)
Where: Basin Reserve, Wellington, NZ
Time: 4:30 PM EST
TV: ESPN +
England are something of a critic-magnet at the moment when it comes to how they’re playing the longest form of the game, but there’s no denying the fact that it’s good to watch. Again, in New Zealand this time, they went at the ball hard, and scored well above the typical rate in Test cricket.
It worked last week; can it work again this week? It’s hard to see what New Zealand will change to resist the English advance. They have a sub-par bowling attack at the moment, with Scott Kuggeleijn and Blair Tickner simply not up to the standard of international bowling. Tim Southee and Neil Wagner are top quality, but there’s only so much two bowlers can do to carry a pace attack, particularly against the firepower of a team like England.
The Kiwis will be looking for some form from captain Kane Williamson and middle-order batsman Henry Nicholls, however. Both are high-caliber batters, but failed to fire in the first Test, which proved costly. England, on the other hand, will likely just carry on doing what they do—make cricket look incredibly easy, and fun.
Pick England to win here, though hopefully, New Zealand make them work a little harder for it this time.
South Africa vs. the West Indies First Test
When: (February 24th – 28th)
Where: SuperSport Park, Centurion, South Africa
Time: 3:00 PM EST
TV: ESPN +
Also, beginning within the next week, will be a two Test series between South Africa and the West Indies.
The West Indies head to South Africa having gained some confidence in Zimbabwe with two comprehensive wins, after they were found lacking against Australia earlier in the summer. South Africa, on the other hand, last played Test cricket in Australia two months ago, where they were thoroughly beaten as well.
Expect this to be a balanced, hard-fought series, with South Africa having the slight edge. It will do wonders for South African cricket to get a 2-0 win in front of home fans, so expect their team to be motivated to do so. Back South Africa for a win in the first Test at least.
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