Australia captain Pat Cummins is keeping faith with the Test side that lost their last outing with West Indies.
On the eve of the first Test with New Zealand, Cummins said the same XI that suffered the shock loss at the Gabba would take to the field at Wellington’s Basin Reserve.
“No surprises and it’s always nice to have a full contingent to pick from,” Cummins said.
Both sides weren’t able to train on the pitch on Wednesday as rain settled in on the Kiwi capital.
While pitches in New Zealand are commonly more grassy than at other Test-playing nations, the Basin was sporting an especially green-topped wicket on last glimpse on Tuesday.
Cummins said, should he win the toss, bowling was “a live option”.
“Coming from Australia, it’s rare to turn on TV and see a green wicket … but over here, it’s pretty normal.
“I don’t think it’s as scary as perhaps what it looks. Seems like there’s been plenty of first inning scores that have been big.”
Australia’s XI to face New Zealand
Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Yeah mate some was very good. Some not so.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
No, on your trip? Mauritius, ....
The Late News
Roar Rookie
The bloody fone rang early so back to work sadly!
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Where'd you go?
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Im keen TLN.
Ace
Roar Rookie
Is that Que Sera LBB that your'e trying to say :laughing:
Little Billy Bagwell
Roar Rookie
Go NZ, kai mate NZ! Rachin will double tonne (well done young man) and Williamson will devour the dads army attack. Smith to be skittled by Southee early. This AUS XI is too soft, looking to be mates and pals with everyone rather than fierce like days of yore!
Little Billy Bagwell
Roar Rookie
Twill be a sad day when test cricket breathes its last. I foresee it being an India v England all out affair; rich vs poor; state vs state; mate vs mate. Say sarrah sarrah, whatever will be will be. Tests will be replaced by T10s or even T5s to cater for the ever increasing bonehead masses who cant live 1min without their mobile phones or tablets. The same pom-pom waving grogans who frequent NRL games and cheer meatily for their teams to smash into one 'nother. The Cro-Magnon meatheads who yell and jeer at the UFC fighters whilst hiding a tiny secret downstairs. But for now........LONG LIVE TEST CRICKET!!!!
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Despite Billy's frank disregard for that line-up, this Black Caps' fan reckons that's a strong team, and so doe the TAB. Conversely, the Black Caps are without Jamieson, Conway, and the mighty Wags. Tough gig. As far as the pitch is concerned, it may zip around a bit, despite its emerald nature, but will flatten out and take spin. It will be interesting to see the Black Caps line up in that regard; trust the part-timers (Rachin and Phillips) or bring in a specialist as the expense of a seamer?
chaukspp
Roar Rookie
The ongoing Indo-English cricket series - Are you saying that this is not test cricket !? If so then, sorry. Your thinking is rubbish.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
No watch. Perhaps a rum in bed might be the go!
Redcap
Roar Guru
Not sure. For the foreseeable, it'll continue as something of a luxury item on the calendar, increasingly subject to the whims of India. At some point, cricket will move on without it. I'll hopefully be long gone.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
For Bazball that would be a perfect requistadore. ------ Actually l was referring to where Test Cricket goes
Blink
Roar Rookie
I guess that is why you are Little Billy. Nothing worthwhile to contribute.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Baz-ball? I'd say that'll end up in a dank basement bedsit in Swindon, with itchy trousers and only dead flies for company. :happy:
Blink
Roar Rookie
Maybe invest in an Alarm clock or work out how your watch, mobile phone do it!
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I'd like to know where it goes?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I use to have to get up half an hour before l went to bed.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Mauritius? Mad as gas car?
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Come here and say that!