New Zealand vs. Australia 2nd Test: Confirmed XIs, team news for Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Mark Molyneux

New Zealand vs. Australia 2nd Test: Confirmed XIs, team news for Hagley Oval, Christchurch image

Australia maintained their hoodoo over their trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand when Nathan Lyon bowled the visitors to a 172-run victory in the first of their two-match series last week. 

Attention now turns to Christchurch with the Kiwis desperate to claim just their second Test win over the Aussies in 31 meetings. 

New Zealand vs. Australia teams: Latest news for second Test in Christchurch

Australian captain Pat Cummins has revealed his side will be unchanged for the second Test following their win in Wellington. This makes it the fourth consecutive match they will have named the same XI. 

MORE: How does Nathan Lyon compare to spin greats like Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan?

Last week's result meant the Aussies retained the Trans-Tasman Trophy for a 13th consecutive series, with the Black Caps not tasting victory on home soil against their rivals since 1993. 

In the summer, the Australian Test side romped to a clean sweep over Pakistan 3-0 but then drew 1-1 with the West Indies, so they will be eager to complete a series whitewash against the Kiwis at Hagley Oval. 

The devastating pace trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will play in their seventh consecutive Test together. 

Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne will try to drag himself out of a form slump which has some critics questioning his place in the side. 

The No.3 endured a tough summer on home soil and showed no signs of improvement in the first Test against the Black Caps after being dismissed for 1 and 2 runs in his innings. 

For the hosts, Ben Sears is expected to make his Test debut in the absence of fast bowler Will O'Rourke, who suffered a hamstring injury in the opening match. 

It's believed there will be one more selection decision made before the toss on Friday with Scott Kuggeleijn and Mitchell Santner competing for the final place in the bowling attack. 

Confirmed XIs and squads for New Zealand vs. Australia

Australia XI

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

Australia squad

Pat Cummins Marnus Labuschagne
Scott Boland Mitch Marsh
Alex Carey Nathan Lyon
Cameron Green Michael Neser
Josh Hazlewood Matthew Renshaw
Travis Head Steve Smith
Usman Khawaja Mitchell Starc

New Zealand XI

Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Scott Kuggeleijn, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ben Sears

New Zealand squad

Tim Southee (c) Rachin Ravindra
Tom Blundell Mitchell Santner
Devon Conway Neil Wagner
Matt Henry Kane Williamson
Scott Kuggeleijn Will Young
Tom Latham Will O'Rourke
Daryl Mitchell Glenn Phillips

How to watch or live stream New Zealand vs. Australia Test series

Australia's tour of New Zealand will be broadcast live on Fox Cricket and streamed on Kayo Sports for Australian viewers.

When is the New Zealand vs. Australia second Test match?

After playing five Tests in Australia against Pakistan and West Indies, the green and gold head to New Zealand for a two-match series.

Australia will be full of confidence after sweeping the T20 series against the Kiwis 3-0 and winning the first Test. 

They will now try to finish the series on a high note with the second Test starting on Friday, March 8. 

Date

Venue

Start Time

Mar. 8 - Mar. 12

Hagley Oval, Christchurch

9:00am AEDT / 11:00am local 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux Photo

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.