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Australia vs New Zealand, 1st Test: Preview, Dream11 prediction, team news, where to watch

Australia vs New Zealand, 1st Test: Preview, Dream11 prediction, team news, where to watch.

Perth, December 11: Australia open the three-match Test series against New Zealand with a day-night match on Thursday (December 12) in Perth.

New Zealand have risen to No. 2 in the world test rankings after an unbeaten string of seven consecutive series, most recently at home over England. The hosts, on the other hand, are coming into the series on the back of a comprehensive 2-0 win over Pakistan in November.

New Zealand has won only one test series in Australia in 1985 when Richard Hadlee and Martin Crowe helped secure that historic achievement. It has won only one of 22 Tests in Australia in the intervening 32 years and overall has won just three of 31 Tests on Australian soil.

Cricket Australia promise 'international standard' wicket for Boxing Day TestCricket Australia promise 'international standard' wicket for Boxing Day Test

Australia won the last test series between the teams in Australia 2-0 in 2015 and the last series in New Zealand 2-0 in 2016.

On paper the New Zealand and Australia batting lineups look closely matched with Williamson for New Zealand and Steve Smith for Australia occupying pivotal roles.

For the first time six of New Zealand's top seven batsmen average better than 40 in tests while Australia has five batsmen averaging 40 or more.

Australia appears to have a substantial advantage in bowling. Cummins hasn't played a test against New Zealand but has 51 wickets in tests this year; Hazlewood has 32 wickets in tests against New Zealand at 32.63 and Starc 17 at 29.52.


Australia team news

Australia warmed up nicely for this three Test series against local rivals New Zealand with a whitewash over Pakistan in November and their dominance in that series where they won both matches by an innings will give them huge confidence heading into the opening Test in Perth.

The hosts have named an unchanged squad for their match with Cameron Bancroft released to play domestic cricket. James Pattinson and James Neser were called up to the 13-man squad but are expected to sit out as the Australians will name the same eleven that dominated Pakistan.

The only worry going into the series was Mitchell Starc, who has a minor toe problem, but that will not stop him from playing.


New Zealand team news

New Zealand also come into this series on the back of a series win over England in November which included a innings defeat and a drawn match. However, they know they face a step up in class when they head for a short trip to Perth to face rivals Australia.

New Zealand is sweating on the fitness of Trent Boult, who is recovering from a rib injury and who has 22 wickets in six Tests against Australia and 16 wickets in pink ball tests at 12.5.

Both Boult and Colin de Grandhomme missed the second and final Test against England and were doubtful for this series, but the duo made the trip to Perth and are reportedly set to come back into the side at the expense of Matt Henry and Daryl Mitchell.

The only other concern was skipper Kane Williamson, who is now declared fit despite the nagging back and hip problem.


Probable XI and Dream XI

Australia XI: Tim Paine (captain), David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins.

New Zealand XI: Kane Williamson (captain), Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.


My Dream11

Batsmen: Kane Williamson (captain), David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Tom Latham, Steve Smith, Ross Taylor

Wicketkeeper: BJ Watling

Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Neil Wagner, Mitchell Starc, Michell Santner


Broadcast information

Date and start time (in India): 12 December 2019, Thursday at 10.30 AM IST

Live Channel: Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD

Live Stream: Sony LIV

Story first published: Wednesday, December 11, 2019, 14:34 [IST]
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