New Zealand vs India 2020: 5 most important elements of the Test series

Will Blundell solve Kiwis’ opening problem?

Blundell will open the innings for New Zealand in this series

Tom Latham has established himself as a very consistent and reliable opener. But he has been struggling to find a decent partner. Jeet Raval was given several opportunities but he couldn’t deliver.

However, in the last Test in Australia, reserve wicket-keeper-batsman Tom Blundell opened the innings and scored a brilliant hundred. Now the spotlight would be on him to see whether he can hold on to that position.

With India possessing a great line-up with bowlers like Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav, Blundell would have to be at the top of his game to succeed. He will get to play both matches. If he even gets a half-century in one of the innings, that is likely to continue his run in the side.

However, if he fails, the New Zealand selectors will be back hunting for an opening partner for Latham. Therefore, his success is badly needed by the home side. Also, as good as the hundred in Australia was, Blundell was dropped on more than one occasion. So, there is still a bit of doubt about his quality. Let’s see how he fares.