New Zealand kicked off 2022 with an ICC World Test Championship series against the Bangladesh cricket team. The reigning ICC World Test Champions will be keen to bring their campaign on the right track after suffering a 0-1 defeat against the Indian cricket team in their previous series. Since the series is happening in New Zealand, it goes without saying that the Blackcaps are the favorites to win.
Bangladesh cricket team has not played well in Test cricket of late. They remained winless in the previous ICC World Test Championship cycle, while in the ongoing cycle, they have lost a series against the Pakistan cricket team at home. They will have to play out of their skins to achieve success in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship series against the New Zealand cricket team.
As mentioned ahead, the series got underway earlier today. The first match of the series is taking place at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Devon Conway, playing his first Test in New Zealand, shone for the home side by scoring a century on the first day of the match. The left-handed batter played a fine knock of 122 runs to help the Kiwis end the first day with a score of 258 runs on the board.
Fans should note that Conway has joined a rare group of players to have scored a Test century in the first Test away from home and in the first Test at home after the first day. What makes Conway’s innings more special is the track on which he played the innings.
Fans could not spot the pitch at the Bay Oval in New Zealand
A photo from today’s Bangladesh vs New Zealand match surfaced on social media earlier today. It was of the pitch at the Bay Oval. Here is the photo and here’s how Twitter reacted to it:
The first pitch of 2022. #NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/nBsRJXJVaC
— Jake O’Flaherty (@jakoboflaherty) December 31, 2021Advertisement
Run up area has lesser grass cover than the pitch. Now no one talks about how it is favouring seamers. But why is it a major issue when the pitch aids spin? I guess the majority of the cricket teams has an inability to play quality spin and can’t agree with that fact!
— Harikishan (@itzzmeHK) January 1, 2022
I see 5 pitches here, which one is it
— Just tweeting Cricket (@cricket_fan28) January 1, 2022
I don’t see any crying from @JimmyNeesh
— Just tweeting Cricket (@cricket_fan28) January 1, 2022
Preparing pitch for Rafael Nadal/Kane Williamson?
— SK fan🇮🇳 (@mass_radhe) January 1, 2022
Looks good, Federer will enjoy playing on this surface
— Dharmesh (@Mumbaiikar) January 1, 2022
If Aus tours NZ they can beat them
— Kirket (@Kirketki) January 1, 2022
That’s a tennis court right?
— Kickit Wicket (@KickitWicket) January 1, 2022
Already feels like Bangladesh have made a big mistake by choosing to bowl first on this track, this is not the typical outfield (Pitch) which New Zealand are used to offering subcontinent sides. NZ absorbed the pressure in the first hour & now look all set for big score.#NZvBAN
— Vipul Ghatol (@Vipul_Espeaks) January 1, 2022
“heads it is, what will you do first”
— Archie Cricket 🏴 (@realarchie_) January 1, 2022
