India are set to face New Zealand in the first Test of a three-match series, starting Wednesday, October 16, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This match holds significant importance for India as they look to maintain their strong position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

With a series win, India aims to further solidify their chances of reaching the WTC final, while New Zealand, currently sixth in the standings, will be eager to revive their campaign.

New leadership for New Zealand

New Zealand will be stepping onto the field under the new leadership of Tom Latham, after former captain Kane Williamson’s absence from the series. Latham faces a formidable challenge, leading his side in subcontinental conditions that have historically been difficult for New Zealand. Having suffered a 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka recently, the Blackcaps will need to adjust quickly if they are to compete against a strong Indian team.

Series schedule and key Test venues: India vs New Zealand

Following the first Test in Bengaluru, the teams will move to Pune for the second Test, which will be held from October 24-28 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. The series will conclude with the third and final Test at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, from November 1-5. This series also serves as an important preparation for India ahead of their tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), making it crucial for both their WTC aspirations and momentum heading into tougher contests.

Stakes in the World Test Championship (WTC)

India’s goal is clear: to strengthen their grip on the top spot in the WTC points table. They have been consistent in the competition so far and will look to capitalize on their home advantage against New Zealand. The Blackcaps, on the other hand, are reeling from their previous series loss against Sri Lanka and find themselves in sixth place. A strong performance against India is essential for them to stay in contention in the WTC standings. With India aiming to keep their dominant form and New Zealand hoping to find a breakthrough under Latham’s captaincy, the series promises to be an intriguing battle.

Also READ: New Zealand announces Ben Sears replacement for the Test series against India

India vs New Zealand, Test Series Fixtures:

Date
Match
Venue
IST
GMT
Local
Teams

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 – Sun, 20 Oct 2024
1st Test
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
9:30 AM
4:00 AM
9:30 AM
India vs New Zealand

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 – Mon, 28 Oct 2024
2nd Test
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
9:30 AM
4:00 AM
9:30 AM
India vs New Zealand

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 – Tue, 05 Nov 2024
3rd Test
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
9:30 AM
4:00 AM
9:30 AM
India vs New Zealand

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed. Siraj, Akash Deep.

New Zealand:  Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson (subject to fitness), Will Young

Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:

India: Sports 18, Colors Cineplex (Hindi), Jio Cinema
Australia: Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports
New Zealand: Sky Sports 1
UK: TNT Sports 1
USA and Canada:  Sling TV – Willow TV (sign up here)
Pakistan: Tapmad
South Africa: SuperSport 201, SuperSport 212

Also READ: Explained: Why Mohammed Shami has not been selected in India’s squad for the New Zealand Tests?

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