Australia named the unchanged playing XI for the first test match against New Zealand that will begin at Basin Reserve, Wellington from 29th February onwards. This will be an important match as these two matches will be a part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle for 2023-25. Australia suffered a narrow 8-run loss to West Indies in the 2nd Test match at Gabba, Brisbane.
Usman Khawaja would open the innings along with Steve Smith. Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey would do the job of the middle order. The pace bowling department would see Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and captain Pat Cummins while Nathan Lyon will be the lone spin bowling option.
Australia is currently at number 3 in the 2023-25 points table with 55 percent points and would look to continue their winning run against New Zealand. Steve Smith would look to continue in the opening slot where he left during the second test. Labuschagne, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey would look to play positive cricket putting pressure on the New Zealand bowlers.
The pace bowling trio of Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins would look to bowl with venom against the New Zealand batting lineup that will miss Devon Conway in the first test due to an injury. Australia has looked impressive in test matches against New Zealand and would look to continue their winning momentum ahead of the 2023-25 World Test championship series against the Kiwis.
Pat Cummins and Co would look to win the first test match moving ahead in the points table. It will be a big test for the Australian team with conditions likely to help pace bowlers initially. Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head will play a key role in the middle order to put pressure on New Zealand bowlers and help Australia recover from tough situations.
Australia’s playing XI for the first Test match against New Zealand:
Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.
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