Buoyant Australia aim for 2-0 series victory (Preview)

Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Start Time: 23:30 GMT (05:00 IST)

Surely, Australia are making significant progress as a team under the leadership of Michael Clarke. Barring a madcap day at Newlands, they have displayed an aggressive brand of Test cricket ever since Ricky Ponting handed over the reins to his long time deputy.

Series win in Sri Lanka was followed by a spirited show in South Africa and on home turf, New Zealand were rolled over in just about three playing days. The victory at Gabba was especially an impressive one as Australia had as many as five first-choice players sitting out due to injury.

One thing that has helped Australia accomplish such results in second half of 2011 is performance of their young bowlers. Dream debuts for Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson has given the Aussies hope of reaching the pinnacle of Test cricket once again.

That being said, the ever increasing injury list would be an area of concern for the newly appointed coach, Mickey Arthur. The continued absence of Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh from the batting line-up provides David Warner and the struggling Phil Hughes one more chance of cementing their spots. Their batting mainstay- Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussy would be keen to hit their straps before the tough India series.

For New Zealand, a listless batting effort cost them the game and chances of an outright victory in the two match series. While their top-order was below-par, Dean Brownlie and Daniel Vettori ensured that New Zealand remained competitive till the fourth morning when Pattinson shut them out of the contest. Ross Taylor and Co. will have to bat well at Hobart or another pasting is just around the corner.

With the pitch at Bellerive Oval expected to be help pacers, Chris Martin and Doug Bracewell would be a handful, only if, the latter stops bowling ‘wicket-taking’ no balls which proved costly for his team. Moreover, young Tim Southee and the wily Daniel Vettori can also trouble the Australian batsmen.

To sum it up, Australia would be confident to their start hectic home season with a clean sweep. However, New Zealand would be keen to draw level against an Australian team that is light on experience.

Australia Squad: Michael Clarke (c), David Warner, Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (vc, wk), Peter Siddle, Daniel Christian, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson.

New Zealand Squad: Ross Taylor (c), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Reece Young (wk).