Australia announce Test squad for New Zealand series: Details here
Australia have announced their 13-member squad for the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand, to be held from December 12. This would also be Australia's final home Test series of the season, as they look to better their ranking and collect maximum points for the ICC World Test Championship. Let's have a look at their squad and analyze their previous performance against the Kiwis.
Australia's Test squad against Kiwis
Australia Test squad against New Zealand: Tim Paine (captain and wicket-keeper), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
Cameron Bancroft is the only notable exclusion
As far as changes are concerned, there has been only a notable one, as opening batsman Cameron Bancroft misses out. While no one has replaced him in the squad, Bancroft continues to be on standby. Overall, it is the same squad that won against Pakistan.
National selector impressed with Australia's current batting success
Following the announcement of the squad, national selector Trevor Hohns said that he has been vastly impressed with the current success of Australia's batting and backs them to continue the same against the Kiwis. "Similarly, depending on conditions, we reserve the right to add a player to the squad at any time during the series," he added.
Selectors unsure over Australia's need for an all-rounder
"(All-rounder options are) thin on the ground as well, without disrespecting anybody. We'd have to have a look at that if we require an all-rounder, and we would only require one if we were going to play two specialist spinners in Sydney," added Hohns.
Skipper backs playing two spinners in Sydney Test
Meanwhile, Test skipper Tim Paine said that considering the Sydney Test, the track at the venue has been behaving like the old days of late. On the same note, he backs the idea of playing two spinners. "I'm sure that's something that will be looked at in the coming weeks if we feel that's the way we want to go," he said.
Australia coming off a terrific performance against Pakistan
Australia are coming off a terrific performance in the just-concluded two-Test series against Pakistan, drubbing them 2-0. With the bat, it was David Warner who had the most runs, scoring 489 in two innings, which also included his maiden triple century (335*). As for the bowling, it was Mitchell Starc, who claimed 14 wickets in four innings, at an average of 17.
Australia have been ruthless over Kiwis of late
Analyzing the performance of Australia against Kiwis in the recent past, the former have been completely dominant. Their last clash was back in 2015-16 when Australia had done a clean sweep in New Zealand in a two-Test series, winning the Trans Tasman Trophy. As for their previous series at home against the side, it was in the same season, when Australia won 2-0.
