Cricket: Ish Sodhi confirmed to start first Black Caps test since 2016

Ish Sodhi celebrates a wicket against Australia. Photo / Photosport

David Leggat in Christchurch

Like for like; legspinner Ish Sodhi has been confirmed to start his first test since late 2016 in the final match of the New Zealand summer against England at Hagley Oval.

Sodhi will replace the injured Todd Astle, who played an important part in New Zealand's innings victory at Eden Park last Monday night.

He has a side strain so Sodhi is in for his 15th test, the last 14 having produced 38 wickets at an unflattering 46 runs apiece.

However he's in solid form, and has taken 19 wickets in his last three innings of the Plunket Shield for Northern Districts.

The Hagley Oval pitch has a reputation for not necessarily helping spinners much but does historically offer assistance to the fast-medium bowlers.

Sodhi has said, given a choice, he'd take bounce in a pitch rather than significant turn. He's likely to get it in Christchurch.

Having rolled England in just 20.4 overs of their first innings in a stunning collapse at Eden Park, captain Kane Williamson said that wouldn't be a consideration should he win the toss tomorrow.

"But we have seen it can take a bit of turn towards the end and does have good bounce," Williamson said.

"It offers a bit to the seam bowlers but it's a good wicket, and has some similarities to the likes of Eden Park."

If New Zealand avoid defeat over the next five days they will secure their first series win over England since 1999. The last seven rubbers have been either drawn or lost.​