New Zealand, fresh from their ODI series win, will look to trump India in a two-match Test series, who come to this series on the back seven consecutive Test wins. On the eve of the first Test, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson has named the best batsman in the world across the formats at present.
India swept New Zealand aside by five games to none in the T20I series and the hosts returned the favour in the ODIs, winning each of the three games. The focus now shifts to the longest format, where the two teams have had contrasting fortunes in recent times.
Virat Kohli & Co had an unbeaten run in 2019, beginning with a draw in Sydney that sealed their first series win in Australia, followed by clean sweeps against West Indies, South Africa and Bangladesh. New Zealand, on the other hand, were unbeaten in each Test series since December 2017, before that glorious run was disrupted by a 0-3 sweep at the hands of Australia in December-January.
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While the series will be highly competitive with both teams not giving an inch to the opposition, Kane Williamson has ensured the battle will only be inside the field and not outside. New Zealand have time and again upheld great mutual respect to the opposition and it was no different when Williamson named Virat Kohli as the best batsman in the world across the formats.
“Obviously, Virat is the best, one-off, without a doubt in all formats but they are a quality side and leading the World Test Championship,” said Kane Williamson.
Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli's bond go a long way since the U19 days. They share a great camaraderie and have always praised each other. The upcoming series will be a tough ask for the top-ranked Test batsman who is yet to come good in this tour of New Zealand.