Second Test Preview
The Kiwis will have to quickly settle any nerves on the massive MCG stage in front of an anticipated 85,000+ fans on day 1, as they strive to avoid going down 0-2 in a three-test series.
With a seemingly inferior batting (and spinning) depth, the Black Caps will place a heavy reliance upon their top-end talent.
A Kiwi nation’s eyes will turn to skipper Kane Williamson and leading bowling charge Trent Boult to play massive leading hands this Test.
Bowlers Tim Southee and Neil Wagner took 16 wickets between them in Perth, after instigating a ‘bumper war’ against the hosts. However they bowled over 111 overs between them in energy-sapping heat, which will test their fitness.
The Australian batting woes of the Ashes (Steve Smith an historic aside) have been quickly forgotten and their top-6 is now looking rock solid.
Some subtle but profoundly effective ‘tweaks’ to the bowling action of Mitchell Starc this summer have yielded immediate effects. After wreaking havoc in a few pre-Test Shield games, the 29yo left arm swing bowler has already taken 23 wickets in 3 Australian Tests this summer.
With strong bowling depth, even with Hazlewood sidelined and the ‘GOAT’ Nathan Lyon offering valuable support, the Aussie bowling unit has looked ultra-impressive.
James Pattinson also has an impressive Test record against the Kiwis, with 20 wickets from 3 Tests at a miserly 17.70 apiece.