**Official** New Zealand in Australia 2015

[Spark]

When was the last bad Sydney pitch? 04 was too flat, but last year was ok if a little on the flat side. They're the only two draws in the last 20 years there but I can't remember any pitches that were unplayable in that time. Usually a great balance with opportunities to score big, but still enough for the quicks, whilst bringing spin into the game later. Maybe it's just parochialism but I don't think there's a better place to see all of Test cricket's skills get a fair crack than the SCG.

I wasn't a massive fan of last year's. It's more a comment on the lack of consistency of late than anything else, it seems to really change characteristics depending on what Tom Parker decides he wants. It's gone from standard if dry Test track --> fast seamer ---> complete road in the last three years alone.

 

[Spark]

In the meantime,

cricket.com.au @CricketAus
Australia Test squad: Smith (c), Warner (vc), Burns, Hazlewood, Khawaja, Johnson, Lyon, MMarsh, Nevill, Starc, Siddle, Voges #AUSvNZ

 

[CM Punk]

Why even bother? NZ should just leave for the Brisbane now, they're literally wasting their time.

Anyone know why CA XI haven't declared, usually there's an agreement to declare after the days play.

 

[CM Punk]

if I were Baz I'd give Santner or someone who isn't playing a bowl to take away first class status

It's already a joke, the batsmen have bowled 60 overs between them.

 

[Gnske]

Leslie you ****.

 

[howardj]

In the meantime,

cricket.com.au @CricketAus
Australia Test squad: Smith (c), Warner (vc), Burns, Hazlewood, Khawaja, Johnson, Lyon, MMarsh, Nevill, Starc, Siddle, Voges #AUSvNZ

yay joey burns

and yay no smarsh

 

[dfrinku]

Latham to open both innings at the GABBA.

 

[morgieb]

lolz @ Latham being the only wicket-taker.

 

[dfrinku]

And no triple for Finch, Well played, Carters.

 

[Skyliner]

Rossco and Latham bowling. What a joke. Pointless playing tomorrow. Baz should forfeit. Could actually work against the BC's batting time on this surface when the Gabba is going to be totally different.

 

[morgieb]

In the meantime,

cricket.com.au @CricketAus
Australia Test squad: Smith (c), Warner (vc), Burns, Hazlewood, Khawaja, Johnson, Lyon, MMarsh, Nevill, Starc, Siddle, Voges #AUSvNZ

Honestly? I'd prefer Marsh over Khawaja.

Rest of the squad is fine though

 

[Burgey]

How does Khawaja get in? Seriously, the bloke has done sfa for years, and is coming off a serious injury to boot. I've never understood why he's rated so highly by the selectors.

Edit: I know Warner hates Cowan and blokes like Chappelli think he's mud, but he had a huge year in the Shield last season and has scored runs again first up this year. Don't get why he wouldn't be in the side to open and Burns to bat in the middle order between TPC and the never-was from WA.

 

[Blain]

Lolz Latham with the breakthrough to declare the innings.

How is a 3 day match a first class game? I wonder who pressed the First Class status, I thought we would want to give Ronchi, Santner Rudders etc a go.

Look for an early Guptill wicket.

 

[nevermind]

cricket.com.au ‏@CricketAus
So that's lunch in Blacktown. A decision will be made whether the match continues during the break. CA XI 1-503

 

[ajdude]

NZ double declaring. that's a bold strategy cotton, let's see if it pays off for them

 

[Cabinet96]

Is the plan for Smith to stay at 3, Burns to open and Khawaja at 4?

 

[Prince EWS]

Is the plan for Smith to stay at 3, Burns to open and Khawaja at 4?

Nah I think Khawaja will bat three.

 

[Cabinet96]

Nah I think Khawaja will bat three.

That's what I'd do. I'm not sure how much Ian Chappell logic is used for such matters though.

 

[JBMAC]

Cricket Australia has today named Australia's Test squad for the opening Test of the summer, against New Zealand in Brisbane next week.

Australian Test squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Joe Burns, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges

 

[Niall]

andrew wuverified account
‏@wutube
tour match farce. Game over. Nz declare twice. Hearing it's been labelled a "dangerous" pitch, not allowed to bowl quicks

wtf?