New Zealand confirm two changes for Boxing Day
The tourists have confirmed their XI for the blockbuster Test while an uncapped Aussie star is firmly in the frame to make his debut.
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New Zealand have settled on a line-up for their first Boxing Day Test at the MCG in 32 years.
While Australia will wait to decide on their XI, the Kiwis have confirmed two changes to the side that was smashed by 296 runs in Perth.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Wednesday confirmed Tom Blundell will replace struggling opener Jeet Raval at the top of the order. As expected, ace quick Trent Boult returns from a rib injury, with fellow fast bowler Lockie Ferguson making way.
The left-armer was sorely missed in Perth, with Boult’s 17 wickets in Australian conditions the sixth most by a Kiwi bowler.
After crumbling against the pink-ball in the first Test of the series, Williamson said there was no better way to bounce back than in Melbourne. The Kiwis’ last Boxing Day Test back in 1987 resulted in a famous draw. A crowd of about 75,000 is expected for day one.
“There’s a sense of romance about being involved in the Boxing Day Test,” Williamson told reporters on Wednesday.
“I know we always play cricket on Boxing Day, but I think there’s only one Boxing Day Test and it’s the one over here.
“At the same time, it’s sort of removing a little bit of that (hype) and bringing the focus back to the cricket.
“Perth was tough and Australia were very good and tactically sound. It’s important we learn from some bits of Perth.” Williamson labelled Blundell a “smart” and “positive” player capable of rising to the occasion.
Blundell played the last of his two Tests in December 2017 and batted at No.8. “It’s important you adapt to the conditions in front of you and important he goes out and looks to play his natural game,” Williamson said.
NESER CONSIDERED FOR DEBUT
Australia is seriously considering shaking up its Test line-up by handing a Boxing Day debut to paceman Michael Neser.
Gunning for a fourth straight victory this summer, the Australian hierarchy is toying with the idea of playing five bowlers against New Zealand at the MCG. It would see Queensland bowling all-rounder Neser come into the XI at the expense of vice-captain Travis Head.
Australia captain Tim Paine says he will delay making a call on the team until getting a final look at the pitch on Thursday morning.
“Looking at the wicket in the last two or three Boxing Day Test matches, it’s been very hard to take 20 wickets,” Paine told reporters on Wednesday.
“Our batting team has been scoring a lot of runs so if we were to go one more bowler, we would be comfortable they could do the job.
“The bowlers we would be bringing in can all bat so while we’re taking a batter out, we’re probably lengthening our line-up.”
Dumping Head for the second time this year would see Paine move up to No. 6 and allow Neser to slot in at No. 7.
The 29-year-old has a first-class batting average of 26.15 and belted a domestic one-day century in 2017.
Paine said it would be a “nice problem” juggling four quicks and spinner Nathan Lyon.
Even though Australia has refused to confirm his inclusion, Victorian fast bowler James Pattinson will almost certainly replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.
“It would be better than the (problem) I had in Perth, that’s for sure,” Paine said, after Hazlewood broke down during the match after bowling just eight deliveries.
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PAINE: CUMMINS THE BEST IN THE WORLD
Pat Cummins is clearly the best bowler in the world and he has the statistics to back it up, says Paine.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed another stunning year, becoming the second-fastest Australian paceman behind Charlie Turner to 100 Test wickets. Cummins holds a comfortable lead on top of the ICC Test bowling rankings, ahead of South African Kagiso Rabada and Kiwi Neil Wagner.
The right-arm speedster returns to the MCG on Thursday, the scene of his spectacular all-round performance during last year’s Boxing Day Test against India.
Cummins grabbed 6/27 and hit a heroic 63 in the second innings to almost push Australia back towards an unthinkable victory.
Paine says Cummins is relentless and improving all the time as he develops even more variety with his bowling.
“He’s clearly the best bowler in the world, his stats will probably back that up,” Paine said.
“Not just for one series, or one Test, or two Tests here or there, he’s done it every game.
“I think he’s getting better with experience as well, I think you’re noticing he’s not always bowling high-140s anymore, which is a great, great attribute and skill.”
Cummins secured a staggering $3.17 million windfall last Thursday after being picked up by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
The huge payout saw Cummins become the most expensive player in IPL history.
Originally published as New Zealand confirm two changes for Boxing Day