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The trans-Tasman rivalry is stronger than ever

Rhett Mitchell new author
Roar Rookie
3rd November, 2015
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Mitch Starc is the best bowler in the world right now.
Rhett Mitchell new author
Roar Rookie
3rd November, 2015
0

Australia and New Zealand has always have had a big rivalry in sports, as seen recently in the Rugby Union World Cup. Australia lost the game, going down to a spirited All Blacks 34-17.

In cricket, the rivalry over the last year has developed quite significantly, with the countries hosting the One Day World Cup and being involved in the final which Australia won commandingly.

This was a change for New Zealand cricket who have been seen as the little brother to Australia for quite a while. Through New Zealand’s rise in international cricket, this three Test series looks to be one of the best ever.

For Australia, this new squad is regarded to be a changing of the guide, with the retirements of ex captain Michael Clarke, ex vice-captain Brad Haddin, Test mainstay Shane Watson, the ever reliable Chris Rogers and stalwart Ryan Harris.

The selectors are not necessarily going for young talent, with most of the new squad having already played Test cricket for their country, however half the squad boasts less then 10 Tests for their nation. This includes Usman Khawaja 28 (9 Tests), Joe Burns 26 (2 Tests), Peter Nevill 30 (4 Tests), Mitchell Marsh 24 (7 Tests), Josh Hazlewood 24 (9 Tests) and Adam Voges 36 (7 Tests).

It will be interesting to see how Steve Smith will go as captain of the Aussies after Michael Clarke’s retirement. Smith, already having experienced captainship last summer, had his best season to date scoring a mountain of runs and subsequently becoming the number one Test batsmen in the world. Smith seems to be a captain who will lead by example and that’s what Australia we need this summer. Smith will need to constantly make runs if Australia want to win this trans-Tasman series.

New Zealand boast a good bowling line up, with the likes of Tim Southee and Trent Boult leading the attack for the Kiwis. Early wickets from both Southee and Boult will be crucial for the tourists in ensuring a chance of victory.

Another key for the Kiwis will be their world-class middle order of Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and captain Brendon McCullum. All three will have to fire for the tourists to have any chance of securing their first Test series win against Australia since the 1989-90 series – and their first in Australia since the Richard Haddlee-captained side of 1985-86.

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The key for the Aussies will be their star-studded bowling line up, led by the inform Mitchell Starc. Starc took a record 26 wickets at an incredible average of 8.11 for NSW, which steered them to victory in the Matador Cup. The Aussies will hope he takes that form into the trans-Tasman series. Australia’s likely bowling line up will consist of Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazelwood and Nathan Lyon, with popular Victorian quick Peter Siddle missing out.

The main issue that Australia will face is the lack of Test match experience in the batting line up, with only Warner and Smith having played more then 10 Tests. Burns, Khawaja and Voges will have to stand up for the hosts to ensure victory, and cameos from Marsh and Nevill will be vital.

This will be one of the best chances for the Kiwis to claim a series victory against the Aussies. To do it away from home would be momentous.

Prediction: Australia 2, New Zealand 1.

Australia’s Likely XI: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitch Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.

New Zealand’s Likely XI: Brendon McCullum (c), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, James Neesham, BJ Watling, Mark Craig, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

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