After an epic but brief series in South Africa, Australia return to their backyard for another two match Test series against their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand. And, it has to be said Aussies staged a remarkable recovery to draw level against Graeme Smith’s men. The carnage at Newlands would have smashed confidence of any team but Australia’s never-say-die spirit ultimately helped them sail through some tough time.
Australia would need some of that spirit to beat New Zealand at home for personnel issues are giving them a severe headache. Senior men like Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin are battling indifferent form, the duo were on the verge of getting dropped but injuries came to their rescue. The hosts have as many as five first choice players sitting out due to physical troubles. Their most impressive bowler, Ryan Harris has got reputation of breaking down more often than a car in a horror movie, key all-rounder Shane Watson is back on the injury list, young sensation Pat Cummins could last only one match, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Johnson complete the unfit line-up.
Voids created need to be filled, new selection panel led by John Inverarity had no choice but to hand over Baggy Greens to youngsters. By Australian standards, Test debuts for David Warner, Ben Cutting, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson could be termed bit premature, however the upside is that it would inject youthful energy and enthusiasm into the team. That been said, Australia still retain the edge even with an inexperienced team because they haven’t lost a Test match at the Gabba for 23 years.
On the other hand, New Zealand nearly got beaten by Zimbabwe in the one-off Test at Bulawayo before they landed in Australia. However, the Kiwis have shown signs of improvement in the practice game against Australia A with Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder and Captain Ross Taylor notching up centuries. Ryder in particular showed murderous form, equaling the world record for most number of sixes in a first class innings, sixteen in all. On a bouncy Brisbane strip, New Zealand will have to replicate some of that run scoring to remain competitive.
The series is kick starting a hectic but challenging summer for Australia; they would want to get off the mark at home with a win before they lock horns with formidable India. For New Zealand, it is their best chance to bring home some silverware from Australia and improve their dismal number eight Test ranking.
Australia Squad: Michael Clarke (c), David Warner, Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (vc, wk), Peter Siddle, Ben Cutting, 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).
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