news, scores, line-ups, blog, how to watch, start time, stream

Sportem
Sportem
2 Min Read

Australia and New Zealand rejoin battle in the second Test of the Trans-Tasman trophy (9am AEDT) with crucial World Test Championship points up for grabs in Christchurch.

Australia has won seven straight Tests against the Kiwis dating back to 2015, their longest-ever win streak over the neighbouring nation.

While Australia go in with an unchanged XI, New Zealand will hand a debut to right-arm quick Ben Sears after Will O’Rourke pulled up with a hamstring niggle, with the paceman surging into the Test team after just 19 first-class games (58 wickets at 27.03).

Watch Australia v New Zealand live with no ad breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

MATCH CENTRE: Live scorecard, stats and more

Australia’s victory in the first Test meant New Zealand dropped from top of the ladder in the WTC, with India now leading with a points percentage of 64.58.

Another win for Australia would move them above New Zealand – with the Aussies set to rise to 62.5 per cent and drop New Zealand to 50 per cent.

India meanwhile are in action against England in the fifth Test of that series, and a strong first day has them in a strong position to reaffirm their position atop the table.

The ladder is ranked according to points percentage. The top two teams will play against each other at Lord’s midway through next year.

Australia leads the two-Test series 1-0 (after winning the First Test at Wellington by 172 runs) and are out to avoid a first Test defeat on NZ soil since 1993.

Burning Questions: Lingering Smith doubt laid bare; why awkward winter looms for star

Australia XI

Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

LIVE BLOG

Follow all the action in our live blog below. If you can’t see the blog, click here.

Source link

Leave a comment