It’s time to move towards the longest format of the game as India gear up to meet New Zealand in a two-match Test series, starting from Thursday (November 25). The opening clash takes place at the Green Park in Kanpur and both sides would be raring to make a mark. Having clinched the preceding T20I series 3-0, the home team might be high on confidence.

However, Test cricket is a different-ball game and the result of the T20I leg would hardly matter. Also, India have some scores to settle against the Kiwis. The last meeting between these two sides in the longest format was a historic once. The occasion was the high-voltage final clash of the inaugural World Test Championship and the venue was Southampton.

While some exciting battle was witnessed over the 22 yards, the Kane Williamson-led side eventually walked away with an eight-wicket triumph. That defeat would certainly have been heart-breaking for India and hence, they would fight for a different result this time around. With India not losing a Test series at home since 2012, the home team would back themselves to thrive in their fortress.

However, not many odds are in their favour. Many prominent players including Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested for this series. Regular skipper Virat Kohli will also give the first Test a miss before coming back for the second fixture. As if this side wasn’t depleted much, KL Rahul has also been ruled out of the series with a muscle strain. Hence, it would be interesting to see what combination Ajinkya Rahane will go with.

On the other hand, the Kiwis have most of their prominent players in the squad except for Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme. As India is set to field a second-stringed team, the Kiwis have all the reason to back themselves to breach the fortress.

Watch out. #NewZealand #India #INDvsNZ

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