New Zealand vs England: Pitch Report of the iconic Hagley Oval before the 1st Test

New Delhi: After dominating the Indian team in India, the Black Caps will look to continue their winning bandwagon as they take on a battered English team at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The test series becomes much more important given the race for the World Test Championship intensifies.

Although the English team has sealed their fate in the World Test Championship calendar after losing matches in the last 2 series- vs Sri Lanka (home) and Pakistan (away), the Blackcaps have the golden opportunity to go on top of the standings and qualify for the finals if they manage a series whitewash (3-0).

Changing nature of the Hagley Oval?

Remember the game when Australia chased down 279 from a precarious position of 80/5? On any other day, that score would have ended in New Zealand’s favour. However, the nature of the Hagley Oval has changed so much that after the first sessions, the lateral movement goes away and the pitch also becomes dry!

Earlier, New Zealand had also chased the score of 285 versus Sri Lanka to win in the fourth test a year before. Seeing these recent trends, it seems that the wicket of the Hagley Oval is becoming conducive for batting slowly.

Interestingly, on average 32 runs are scored per wicket in the first two innings in the last five years (seven tests) compared to 26 in the third and fourth. But New Zealand’s 521 against Bangladesh and Pakistan’s 659 may skew those stats. A score of around 300-320 won’t be too shabby.

There is always the temptation to be short in New Zealand. But it may be best to do so in play once conditions have been assessed. The Tests should begin under clear skies, for example. Anything leaden and we would have probably advised going under par lines.

England for sure, is a reliable in-play short when they have a partnership going. Their attacking nature means a collapse or early declaration often wins the market.