After some splendid cricketing action in the limited-overs series, the focus is set to shift to the traditional format. The last time India won a Test match in New Zealand was way back in 2009. However, their dominance in the World Test Championship certainly gives the fans a hope to fill the void.

Here are some of the talking points ahead of the first Test:

The opening conundrum without Rohit Sharma

 In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal is set to have a new opening partner. Prithvi Shaw couldn’t get going in the warm-up game after getting starts in the ODIs. Shubman Gill who batted in the middle order too failed even though he was extraordinary for India ‘A’. It will be interesting to see who will get the nod for the first Test.

Will India opt for Vihari?

Ever since Hanuma Vihari landed in New Zealand, he has been scoring runs at an outrageous average. His scores of 51, 100* and 59 for India ‘A’ followed by a century in the warm-up game make him a front-runner for a spot in the first Test. India are likely to play Bumrah, Shami and Ishant. If Vihari gets the nod, one of either Ashwin or Jadeja will have to drop to the bench.

Considering New Zealand’s pitches do not deteriorate, playing both Vihari and Jadeja will give India an added advantage with the bat.

Ishant Sharma passes fitness test

After sustaining an injury during the Ranji Trophy, the right-arm pacer is back to lead the Indian pace attack. He is just eight wickets short of becoming only the third Indian pacer to pick 300 Test wickets. Kapil Dev (434) and Zaheer Khan (311) lead the pace bowling charts for India.

Ishant also has good memories of the venue where he raked up figures of 6/51 back in 2014.

Ross Taylor set to play his 100th Test match

Ross Taylor is all set to become the fourth Kiwi cricketer to play 100 Tests as he steps out at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Currently, he’s the leading run-getter for New Zealand in Tests. The 35-year old will be looking to make the occasion memorable with a big knock at a ground where he already has three centuries to his name.

Trent Boult back into the New Zealand squad

The Kiwi pace attack will be boosted with the inclusion of Trent Boult who missed out on the limited overs series. His experience will be crucial for the hosts who already have bowlers like TIm Southee and Neil Wagner in their ranks.

The first Test match between India and New Zealand is scheduled to take place on 21st February at Basin Reserve, Wellington from 4:00 AM IST.