IND Vs NZ 2024, Test Series: Broadcast & Live Streaming Details – When And Where To Watch In India, New Zealand, Pakistan, USA And Other Countries

The much-anticipated three-match Test series between India and New Zealand is set to begin on Wednesday, October 16, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With both teams vying for crucial points in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, this series holds significant importance. India, currently at the top of the WTC standings, are looking to solidify their position and move closer to securing a spot in the final, while New Zealand, sitting sixth, need a strong performance to revive their faltering campaign.

The series will also see New Zealand take the field under a new captain, Tom Latham, following the absence of Kane Williamson. For India, the series serves as not only a key step toward WTC qualification but also valuable preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. With so much at stake, this India vs New Zealand series promises to be a fascinating contest of skill, strategy, and endurance.

India’s Home Advantage and Their WTC Campaign

India has been a dominant force at home in Test cricket for several years, making them firm favorites heading into this series. With a deep batting line-up and a potent bowling attack, India’s strength in their home conditions is well-established. The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the venue for the first Test, is known for its spin-friendly surface, something that could play into India’s hands, given their formidable trio of spinners – Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel.

India’s primary objective will be to maintain their stronghold on the top spot of the WTC standings. Having already accumulated a healthy points lead, a series win here would further solidify their chances of reaching the WTC final for the second consecutive time. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India has displayed consistency across all formats, and this Test series is an opportunity to continue that trend. With tough overseas tours on the horizon, including a crucial series in Australia, India will want to build momentum by securing a convincing win against New Zealand.

On the bowling front, India boasts a balanced attack with the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the charge. The inclusion of Akash Deep as a new pacer adds variety, while Kuldeep Yadav provides an additional spin option. For India, the key will be to strike early with the new ball and exploit the subcontinental conditions to full effect.

New Zealand’s Challenge Under New Leadership

For New Zealand, the series presents a daunting task, particularly in the absence of their talismanic former captain, Kane Williamson. Taking over the reins is Tom Latham, an experienced batter but a relatively new leader. Latham will have to guide his team through the complexities of playing in subcontinental conditions, where New Zealand has historically struggled. Their recent 0-2 series defeat against Sri Lanka underlined some of the challenges they face when playing in the subcontinent, where spin bowling and lower bounce often prove difficult for visiting teams.

Latham, however, is no stranger to Indian conditions, and his calm approach will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by India’s spinners. The captaincy change adds an interesting dynamic, and New Zealand will be hoping that Latham’s leadership can spark a resurgence after a difficult few months in Test cricket. The Blackcaps have a lot to prove, especially after slipping to sixth in the WTC standings.

With players like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Blundell in their ranks, New Zealand does have the batting talent to put up a fight. However, how well they adapt to Indian pitches will be the deciding factor in whether they can challenge India on their home soil. Their bowling attack, led by Tim Southee and supported by spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi, will also need to step up if they are to have any chance of toppling India in this series.

Venues and Key Matches in the Series

The three-Test series will kick off in Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue known for its pace-friendly nature in the past but increasingly assisting spinners in recent years. This will be followed by the second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from October 24 to 28, a ground that has seen some memorable performances in the past, including India’s thumping win over England in 2021. The series will then culminate at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, from November 1 to 5, an iconic venue known for its lively crowds and unpredictable pitches.

For India, these matches serve as crucial preparation for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Maintaining their unbeaten home record and continuing to build winning momentum will be essential. On the other hand, New Zealand will be keen to bounce back after their recent struggles and use this series to claw their way back into the WTC race.

The series schedule, featuring Tests spread across diverse venues, means the teams will have to quickly adapt to varying conditions. While the pitches in Bengaluru and Pune may assist spinners, the Wankhede Stadium could offer more pace and bounce, giving both teams different challenges throughout the series.

India’s Team Composition and Key Players to Watch

India’s squad for the series boasts a mix of experienced stalwarts and exciting young talents. Rohit Sharma will lead the side, supported by vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, who will be crucial with both the new ball and in the death overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal, fresh off impressive performances in recent Test outings, will be looking to solidify his spot at the top of the order alongside Shubman Gill. Both young openers have shown great promise and will be crucial in giving India solid starts.

Virat Kohli, one of India’s all-time greats, will anchor the middle order, and the team will rely heavily on his experience and ability to handle pressure in key moments. KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan are also expected to play important roles, with both batters looking to make significant contributions.

Behind the stumps, India has two options in Rishabh Pant and the young Dhruv Jurel. While Pant is the likely first-choice wicketkeeper, Jurel’s inclusion adds depth to the squad, and his recent domestic performances make him an exciting prospect. In the bowling department, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel form a formidable spin trio, while the pace battery of Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep provides ample firepower.

New Zealand’s Strategy and Key Players for Success

New Zealand’s path to success in this series lies in how well they adapt to Indian conditions. Their spin department, led by Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi, will play a crucial role. Ajaz Patel, in particular, has fond memories of India, having taken a historic 10-wicket haul in an innings during their last tour. He will be key to New Zealand’s plans, especially on turning tracks in Bengaluru and Pune.

Tim Southee, New Zealand’s veteran pacer, will spearhead the pace attack. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Southee’s experience will be invaluable. Supporting him will be Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry, both of whom have the ability to make inroads into India’s batting lineup.

On the batting front, Devon Conway has emerged as one of New Zealand’s most reliable batters in recent times. His technique and temperament make him well-suited for handling Indian conditions, and his contributions at the top of the order will be vital. Daryl Mitchell, known for his aggressive yet composed batting, will also be a key figure in New Zealand’s middle order.

The Stakes in the World Test Championship

For both India and New Zealand, this series has major implications in the WTC standings. India is currently leading the points table and will want to maintain their dominance by securing a clean sweep at home. A series win would virtually guarantee their spot in the WTC final, with a tough series against Australia on the horizon.

New Zealand, on the other hand, finds themselves in a difficult position. Currently sixth on the table, they desperately need to win this series to keep their WTC hopes alive. A loss in India could be a massive blow to their chances of making it to the final, and Latham’s men will be fully aware of the challenge they face.

The WTC adds an extra layer of intensity to this series, as both teams know the importance of each match. For India, it’s about consolidating their position at the top, while for New Zealand, it’s about survival and rejuvenation.

Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

For cricket fans around the world, this high-stakes Test series between India and New Zealand will be broadcast across multiple platforms. In India, the matches will be available on Sports 18 and Colors Cineplex (Hindi), while Jio Cinema will provide live streaming. In New Zealand, fans can catch the action on Sky Sports 1, while Australian viewers can watch via Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.

In the UK, the series will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1, while fans in the USA and Canada can tune in via Sling TV and Willow TV. For viewers in Pakistan, the series will be available on Tapmad, and in South Africa, it can be watched on SuperSport 201 and SuperSport 212.

With the series accessible across so many platforms, fans from all corners of the globe will be able to follow every ball of what promises to be an exciting and competitive Test series.

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