Australia paceman James Pattinson has been recalled for the second trans-Tasman Test in Christchurch.
Skipper Steve Smith revealed his side on Friday, confirming Pattinson will take injured veteran Peter Siddle’s place in the XI
“Patto obviously wasn’t right for that first Test,” Smith said. “He’s been working hard since.
“He’s bowled a lot in the nets and we’re all confident he’ll get through this next Test match, hopefully he can have a big impact for us.”
The tourists are otherwise unchanged as they seek to reclaim the No.1 Test ranking.
Australia will top the International Cricket Council’s rankings if they win or draw the contest at Hagley Oval that starts on Saturday.
Smith noted the pitch was “quite green and wet” on Friday morning.
Australia XI: Joe Burns, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Adam Voges, Mitch Marsh, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
What was the point of picking Seyers? There's a super important thing called the shield happening and SA are finally bloody competative, then they take our best bowler away for nothing! Joke.
VivGilchrist
Guest
I feel a bit sad for Sayers as he was chosen for these conditions but unfortunately due to dodgy scheduling or a growing disrespect toward Test series there were no planned tour games to prove himself. Let's hope that Bird can lift his game and the very talented but injury-prone Pattinson hits his rythym right away.