AGB Cricket

THIRD TEST: THE SCG

New Zealand make five changes, including Williamson; Australia goes in unchanged, manfully resisting the urge to pick six bowlers.

SECOND TEST: THE MCG

I read "Justin Langer may pick a fifth bowler" as "Justin Langer may try to trick New Zealand into picking a fifth bowler." Which in turn says to me that Australia is worried about struggling to bowl out the NZ batting if the MCG pitch is roadish, so one less batsman helps Australia roll NZ. Then again, the back-to-back Tests means Australia will have a weather eye on its Informed Player Management, and an extra bowler will ease the workload.

FIRST TEST: OPTUS STADIUM

Well, this could be an interesting affair. New Zealand is the No.2 ranked Test side - not that it is possible to keep up with Test standings - and boast some fine batsmen, batting depth, and three excellent fast bowlers. Australia has Warner, who will struggle if the Kiwis move the ball, Burns and Head, who are yet to establish themselves, and Wade at six, who will be expected to deliver. Ball-wise, Cummins is a champ, Hazlewood diligent and Starc a threat if he lands them. Hazlewood may be the key. Lyon is the best spinner, but is nevertheless prone to bowl well and not take wickets. Therein lies the trick for Australia: pinch wickets when NZ look settled.

Fingers crossed Australia wins the toss, bats, and the pitch deteriorates in the heat and plays tricks on NZ batting last.