Australia will play their second pink-ball Test on the trot as they host their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the series-opener in Perth from Thursday. Both the teams won their respective previous Test series. Australia, who hosted Pakistan, won both the Tests by an innings margin. New Zealand defeated England in the first Test by an innings margin while the second Test was a drawn affair.
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Australia made one change in the squad as they dropped Cameron Bancroft. New Zealand had retained the same squad for Australia series which played against England. There will changes in NZ’s playing XI while Australia will be going with the same playing XI.
Conditions –
The pitch has green grass over it but the heat will make it tough for the bowlers. The team bowling first should take advantage as the conditions might favour batsmen. The bounce on the pitch though will continue to test batsmen and pacers should do well.
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Here is the likely playing XI of both the teams –
Australia:
Australia have confirmed that they will field the same playing XI for the third consecutive Test match, means James Pattinson will sit out. Also, Michael Neser will continue his wait to wear the Baggy Green for the first time.
Playing XI: David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood
New Zealand –
The visitors are dealing with fitness issues as Trent Boult isn’t confirmed to play. He missed the second Test against England due to pain in his ribs bUt was cleared to join the team in Australia. If fit, Boult will play but if he misses out, then Lockie Ferguson is expected to make his debut. Colin de Grandhomme is fit and will play the series-opener.
New Zealand likely playing XI – Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult/Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner
My Dream11 team for AUS vs NZ 1st Test –
David Warner (Captain), Tom Latham, Marnus Labuschagne, Ross Taylor, Steven Smith, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Neil Wagner, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Trent Boult/Lockie Ferguson