Australia meets New Zealand tomorrow at Perth’s WACA for the second match of the trans-Tasman series.
New Zealand, having suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test at the Gabba, will be desperate to keep its chances of winning the three-match series alive. The last time the sides met at the WACA in 2001, the game ended in a draw. Australia’s 208-run win and the dominance of its quicks in Brisbane will boost the team’s confidence of a quick series win.
Friday 13 will be the least of the team’s problems on a weekend where temperatures are expected to reach 37C. Aussie coach Darren Lehmann suggested earlier this week that keeping players cool will be a key concern for team management. Neither side will want to risk players succumbing to heat exhaustion on a pitch renowned as a heatbowl.
The Australian team is unchanged with all players fit. The WACA usually favours pace so there is a chance Australia will play a fourth quick, leaving spinner Nathan Lyon out of the team.
New Zealand has some injury concerns and has lost Jim Neesham for the series because of a strained back. Tim Southee, who didn’t bowl in the second Brisbane innings because of a back problem, is expected to be fit for game two. Fast bowlers Neil Wagner and Doug Bracewell are on standby in case Southee is unable to play. Matt Henry and Mitchell McClenaghan are also available if needed. The teams will be announced immediately before play.
The second Test begins tomorrow, Friday 13, at 1:30pm AEDT. – Aidan Fedorow
Aiden is a student from Pacific Hills Christian School who is doing work experience in Macleay’s Newsroom.
Top photo of the WACA from Cricket Australia’s website.
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