The third Test between England and New Zealand is set to commence on December 14, 2024, at Seddon Park in Hamilton. With England leading the series 2-0, they aim for a clean sweep, while New Zealand seeks redemption in front of their home crowd.
Match Details
- Date: December 14-18, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM Local Time (10:00 PM GMT)
- Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton
Team Overviews
England Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, England has showcased a dominant performance throughout the series. Their aggressive batting approach, combined with a versatile bowling attack, has been pivotal. Emerging talents like Jacob Bethell have made significant contributions, adding depth to the squad. The team is expected to maintain their winning combination, aiming to conclude the series on a high note.
New Zealand The Black Caps have faced challenges, with key players like Devon Conway unavailable due to personal reasons. Will Young is set to open alongside Tom Latham, bringing stability to the top order. The potential inclusion of spinner Mitchell Santner is under consideration, especially with Tim Southee playing his final Test, marking the end of a distinguished 16-year career.
Key Players
England
- Harry Brook: Leading the series run charts with 349 runs at an average of 116.33, his form is crucial.
- Brydon Carse: With 16 wickets at an average of 12.81, his pace has troubled the Kiwi batters.
- Jacob Bethell: The young talent has impressed at the No.3 spot, solidifying the batting lineup.
New Zealand
- Kane Williamson: Returning from injury, his experience is vital for the hosts’ batting resilience.
- Tom Latham: As captain and opener, his leadership and performance at the top are pivotal.
- Mitchell Santner: If included, his spin could be a game-changer on Hamilton’s surface.
Head-to-Head Historically, England holds an edge over New Zealand in Test cricket. The current series has further tilted the balance in England’s favour, with the visitors securing their first series win in New Zealand since 2008.
Probable Playing XI
England
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Jacob Bethell
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Ollie Pope (wk)
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Gus Atkinson
- Rehan Ahmed
New Zealand
- Tom Latham (c)
- Will Young
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Tom Blundell (wk)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Tim Southee
- William O’Rourke
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Pitch Report Seddon Park traditionally offers a balanced surface, with initial assistance for seamers due to grass cover. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to favour batters, with spinners coming into play on the fourth and fifth days. Overhead conditions and weather can influence pitch behaviour, making the toss decision crucial.
Probable Scenarios Winning the toss and opting to bat first is generally advantageous, allowing the team to set a formidable total and exploit deteriorating pitch conditions later. England’s aggressive batting strategy could be tested if New Zealand’s bowlers capitalize on early movement. Conversely, New Zealand’s batters need to counter England’s varied bowling attack to post competitive scores.
Match Predictions England enters the match with momentum and confidence, aiming for a series whitewash. However, New Zealand, bolstered by the return of key players and the motivation to give Tim Southee a fitting farewell, is expected to put up a resilient fight. The match promises a competitive contest, with the first innings likely setting the tone for the outcome.
Cricket enthusiasts can anticipate an engaging Test match as both teams vie for supremacy, with individual performances and strategic decisions playing pivotal roles in determining the victor.
