Australia named a strong Test squad for the 2-match series against New Zealand in their den. It will be an important series as it might decide the shape of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 points table. Australia is currently at the number 2 spot after their loss to West Indies in the 2nd Test while New Zealand is at 1 with a comprehensive win over South Africa at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
It promises to be an exciting series as Australia will be visiting New Zealand for a test series after a gap of 8 years. Steve Smith would open the innings along with Usman Khawaja.
“As we know every Test match provides vital opportunities to obtain valuable WTC points and we expect this tour will be a tough challenge against a very strong side who have been so consistent at home for a long period.”
Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Alex Carey would comprise the middle-order batters. Matt Renshaw has been also included in the squad. Pat Cummins would lead the side. The pace bowling department looks strong with the likes of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, Scott Boland, and Micheal Neser. Nathan Lyon is the only genuine spinner in the squad.
These two test matches are a part of the 2023-25 World Test championship cycle. It promises to be an exciting series with the first match to be played from 29th February to 4th March at Basin Reserve, Wellington while the second test will take place from 8th March till 12th at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
The 2021-23 World Test Championship Australia would be looking to prove their worth in tough conditions in New Zealand. Australia whitewashed New Zealand 2-0 when they visited New Zealand for a test series in February 2016.
Here we look at Australia’s Test squad for the series against New Zealand
Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Alex Carey (WK), Matt Renshaw, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Micheal Neser, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon.
Test series schedule:
- Aus vs NZ (Basin Reserve, Wellington)- 29th Feb-4th
- Aus vs NZ (Hagley Oval, Christchurch)- 8th-12th March
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