Australia could field a five-pronged attack in Boxing Day Test
Australia are on a high after demolishing New Zealand in the first Test of the three-match series at home. The win came after a 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan. In the recently-concluded Day-Night Test, the Aussie fast bowlers led by Mitchell Starc, wrecked havoc on the Kiwis. And now, Australia could field a five-pronged attack next. Here's more.
Hazlewood ruled out, Siddle likely to replace him
Australian fast bowlers claimed 13 wickets in the first Test against the Kiwis. Right-arm pacer Josh Hazlewood, who suffered a hamstring injury during the Test, has been ruled out of the next encounter. Australia head coach Justin Langer is already planning to name veteran Peter Siddle as Hazlewood's replacement. Siddle has been bowling well of late.
Langer thinking of roping in Siddle as cover
Australia have James Pattinson and Michael Neser as reserve fast bowlers. "Without doubt, 'Patto' (Pattinson) and Michael Neser, they'll be in the squad 100% and we'll look whether we replace Josh with another fast bowler," Langer said to Reuters. "The obvious one would be Peter Siddle actually. He did a really good job in the Ashes, he's bowling very well for Victoria."
Aussies could field four pacers at the MCG
Australia are contemplating on playing with four pacers along with spinner Nathan Lyon if the MCG pitch looks like offering as little as it has for bowlers in recent Test matches. "If the wicket's like it's been in the last few years ... we'll think about it (playing five bowlers), we'll have a look at it," Langer said.
Five-pronged attack could be too heavy for Kiwis to handle
For Australia, Starc and Pat Cummins have been bowling with a lot of fire. The two in-form bowlers will lead the attack. This leaves Australia picking two other options. Siddle and Pattinson are the likely candidates to come in. With spinner Lyon in there, the Aussies will want to attack the Kiwis, who were in shambles with the bat in Perth.
How did the first Test pan out?
Australia (416) rode on a brilliant 143-run knock by Marnus Labuschagne, who has bossed Test cricket in 2019. For NZ, left-arm pacer Neil Wagner (4/92) shined. The Kiwis were folded for 166 next. Ross Taylor (80) did well. Mitchell Starc claimed a fifer. Labuschagne scored a fifty to help Australia declare at 217. However, the Kiwis (171) failed to show any sort of resistance.
