Tigers opt to bowl first in Christchurch

Bangladesh have won the toss and will be bowling first against New Zealand on the second Test of the two-Test series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch today.  
 

The visitors, who lead the series 1-0 and are staring at a rare feat of winning a series against New Zealand in New Zealand, would be looking to capitalise with the new-ball early. Bangladesh coach Russel Domingo said during the pre-match press conference yesterday that the toss will be an important factor as the anticipated green surface at the Hagley Oval, historically a graveyard for visiting teams, will be much more conducive to swing, pace and seam movement. 

Bangladesh are without experienced Mushfiqur Rahim and newcomer Mahmudul Hasan Joy as the two batters find themselves out with a groin and finger injury, respectively, while the Kiwis have brought in Daryl Mitchell for Rachin Ravindra.

"A green pitch and I think the pacemen can do something on this wicket. We are looking forward to this match," Mominul said after winning the toss.

"We know it offers pace and bounce and a bit of sideways movement, but we do know if we get through the first hour it's a good surface to bat on," New Zealand skipper Tom Latham said.

It is sunny out there at the Hagley Oval with the forecast of possible rain from the fourth day onward.

Starting XI: 

New Zealand: Tom Latham (capt), Will Young, Devon Conway, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.

Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (capt), Nurul Hasan Sohan, Liton Das (wk), Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam.