The 2nd and final match of the England vs New Zealand Test series is scheduled to be played at Edgbaston this Thursday (10th June). England led by Joe Root are fortunate to manage a draw in the 1st game after the heroic 6-wicket haul from Tim Southee. On the other hand, New Zealand has been the dominant team for a major part of the Lord’s game and will continue from where they left off.
Match Details
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Pitch and Weather– One might expect a pitch supporting pacers from the start and might witness spin aided conditions from Day-3. No rain forecast for the game so far. Therefore, we can expect a full 5-day game.
Date and time: June 10-14, 2021, 3.30 PM IST, 11:00 AM Local
The Probable Playing XIs
With the suspension of Ollie Robinson, a spinner might be brought in his place, with the condition expected to be a little spin-friendly. The inclusion of Dom Bess into the squad might suggest he might get that spot.
Two changes are expected when it comes to the kiwis’ side. Trent Boult has joined the team and might replace one of the pacers. Mitchell Santner, who was injured during the start of the last game, might get replaced by either Ajaz Patel or the uncapped Rachin Ravindra.
England: Zak Crawley, Dominic Sibley, Rory Burns, Dan Lawrence, Joe Root(C), Ollie Pope, James Bracey(WK), Dom Bess/Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and Olly Stone/ Mark Wood.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson(C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling(WK), Colin De Grandhomme/ Rachin Ravindra, Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel/ Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee/Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner.
Fantasy Tips
Batsman: The openers from both sides were at the run-scoring feast in the 1st game. We have Conway, Burns, Crawley, Root, Taylor and Williamson to pick. I can skip the NZ skipper considering the threat of Jimmy Anderson.
Wicket-Keeper: BJ Watling is a proven performer, so it is a no-brainer to select him.
Bowlers: Select one or both of the English duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Tim Southee, if he plays, is the best option for captaincy. Jamieson, a fast emerging fast-bowler, can be another pick if he is playing. Otherwise, go with Boult or Wagner. Remember to have a spinner in your side.
All-rounder: Pick a player from each side. The best options in the given conditions is Colin De Grandhomme.
Captaincy choices
Team for fantasy: Devon Conway, Joe Root, Ross Taylor, Dom Sibley, Rory Burns, BJ Watling, Colin De Grandhomme, Jack Leach/Dom Bess, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Stuart Broad/James Anderson/Tim Southee
Captain: Dom Sibley
The English top-order batsman looked solid in the second innings, expecting him to have a big Test at Edgbaston.
Vice Captain– Tim Southee
Southee, if he plays, will be a treat to watch and a threat to the England batters. His stumps-to-stumps line worked magically as he put himself in the Lord’s honors board. Expect a big game from the New Zealand pacer.
READ: HOW TO PICK CAPTAINCY PLAYERS IN DREAM11?
Dream11 Team – ENG vs NZ
Closing Points
NZ was dominant throughout the first game, and their confidence must be high after the brave declaration on the last day at Lord’s. Also, with WTC Final approaching, this will be a big game for the tourists.
