Pat Cummins unveils Australia's playing XI for the 2nd Test match vs New Zealand
Published - 07 Mar 2024, 01:21 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM
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Australian skipper Pat Cummins has unveiled his team combination for the second and final Test of the ongoing series against New Zealand. Pat Cummins confirmed that his team will field an unchanged playing XI for the upcoming red-ball match in Christchurch.
The visiting team clinched a commanding 172-run victory during the series opener in Wellington. They took an unassailable 1-0 lead and crucial 12 points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) table. Cameron Green was named Player of the Match for his batting heroics.
Australia retained the Trans-Tasman Trophy for the 13th consecutive series. Notably, the Black Caps haven’t defeated Australia on home soil since 1993. The second Test match between the two teams is scheduled to commence at Hagley Oval on Friday, March 8.
Pat Cummins Unveils Australia’s Playing XI for Second Test Match
Speaking to reporters at Hagley Oval on Thursday, Pat Cummins confirmed that Australia will continue with their winning combination. The pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood will play for their seventh consecutive Test match this summer.
Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith will form the opening partnership for the visiting team, supported by Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green. Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey will bat in the middle order, enhancing the Australian team’s batting depth.
Pat Cummins will lead the bowling unit, comprising Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon. Cummins and Starc failed to make an impact in the first match, each taking one wicket. Lyon secured 10 wickets across two innings, while Hazlewood contributed four.
This match is pivotal for both teams in the WTC 2023-25 standings. New Zealand ranks second with a win percentage of 60 after five Test matches, while defending champions Australia closely follow in third place with a win percentage of 59.09 across 11 red-ball matches.
Australia’s Playing XI for Second New Zealand 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
Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon Guided Australia To Victory In First Test
After being asked to bat first, Australia posted a total of 383 runs during the first innings. Young all-rounder Cameron Green scored an unbeaten 174 runs. Green added a 116-run partnership with Josh Hazlewood, who scored 22 runs off 62 balls, for the last wicket.
The Australian bowlers then bundled out New Zealand for 179 runs. The Pat Cummins-led side scored 164 runs in their second innings, setting the hosts a challenging target of 369 for victory in the final innings. Nathan Lyon top-scored with 41 runs off 46 deliveries.
Australia bowled out the opposition for 196 runs in the final innings at the Basin Reserve. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon claimed a six-wicket haul on the fourth day, supported by Josh Hazlewood with two wickets and one each from Travis Head and Cameron Green.
