The Australian cricket team will go with an unchanged XI in the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, on Friday, skipper Pat Cummins revealed, as per a report in foxsports.com.au. Speaking on the eve of the match, Cummins confirmed that they won’t disturb the winning combination for a team, that registered a 172-run win over the Kiwis last week.
Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith will be seen opening the innings for the visitors, followed by Marnus Labuschagne, and in-form Cameron Green. The middle-order will be further strengthened by Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey.
Pat Cummins will lead the bowling unit, followed by Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon. This also means that the trio of Starc-Cummins-Hazlewood will play their seventh consecutive Test together, this summer.
NZ vs AUS, Hosts Make One Change
On the other hand, hosts New Zealand had to opt to for a change as fast bowler William O’Rourke was ruled out of the series due to an injury. Ben Sears will be handed debut in the second NZ vs AUS Test, while Mitchell Santner could come in place of Scott Kuggeleijn.
Australia Playing XI for 2nd Test
Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
