Australia finalise 14-player squad for New Zealand Test series
The Aussies have added an extra fast bowler to their playing group as they try and re-claim top spot on the World Test Championship standings.
Australia have named a 14-player squad for their crucial two-Test series against New Zealand that commences at the end of this month.
The reigning ICC World Test Championship winners will travel to New Zealand with a similar squad that took on the West Indies on home soil last month, with experienced pacer Michael Neser added to the playing group for the two Test series that starts in Wellington On February 29.
Fast bowler Pat Cummins will once again lead the side during the series and will lead a formidable bowling line-up that includes Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, while vice-captain Steve Smith is expected to continue in his new role as opener alongside veteran Usman Khawaja.
While Neser is likely to still be behind Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and fellow pacer Scott Boland for a spot in the final XI, chief selector George Bailey said it was important to have another pace option on the tour should conditions suit.
"It's great to see Michael Neser get another opportunity in the squad following his ever-consistent performances over a long period of time and the conditions we expect," Bailey said.
"As we know every Test match provides vital opportunities to obtain valuable WTC points and we expect this tour will be a tough challenge against a very strong side who have been so consistent at home for a long period of time."
Australia currently sit in second place on the World Test Championship standings, with New Zealand outright leaders on the table following their 285-run thumping of South Africa at home earlier this month.
The first Test runs from February 29 to March 4 in Wellington, with the series then concluding in Christchurch from March 8.
Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc
Tour schedule:
First Test: February 29 - March 4, Wellington
Second Test: March 8-12, Christchurch