 New Zealand face an uphill challenge to register their first win on Australian
soil in over two decades. Australia have only compounded Kiwis' problems
with an impressive win in the first test. The Trans-Tasman rivals square off in
the final test of the series from Friday at Bellerive Oval, Hobart.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs New Zealand
Australia reiterated that they still remain a force on their home soil with
a comprehensive nine-wicket rout of New Zealand in the first test. Though
hampered by injuries, the replacements displayed enough firepower to outperform
their opponents in all departments of the game. Captain Michael Clarke
looked in good touch with a century. Similarly, under-fire Ricky Ponting and
Brad Haddin will look to silence their critics further in the second test, following
impressive half-centuries at Brisbane. Phil Hughes though will yet again be
under the radar after twin failures.
According to latest reports, Hughes has been retained in the playing 11 and Dan Christian will have to wait before making his debut. However, this
will be his last chance to make things happen and if Hughes fails to get going
in this game as well, things could get difficult for him.
In the bowling department, the battle for places is going strong. James Pattinson
will be eager to build on his debut performance while stakes are also high for
the rest, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Johnson ruled out of nearly all
summer.
New Zealand's performance was reflective of the woes they have faced in recent
years, and has resulted in their poor test ranking as well. Their batsmen, despite
showing notable performances in the build-up to the series, succumbed miserably
in the first test. While coach John Wright has ruled out any changes to the
batting line-up, the batsmen know his stern warning means that better is expected
off them than top half folding below 100 runs in each innings. The team will
again bank largely on Daniel Vettori who has matured into a full-fledged
all-rounder in the past couple of years.
Australia start the match as favorites and will be looking to wrap up the series
2-0 at the ground where are yet to lose a test match.
Michael Clarke has already sounded out that he will be happy to win the toss and
bowl first although he has admitted to have done something totally opposite to
that earlier.
|
