Australia vs New Zealand, 2nd Test, Melbourne: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

This Test will almost feel like a novelty for most of the New Zealand squad. The last time New Zealand played Australia on Boxing Day at Melbourne was way back in 1987. A lot of the players in both sides weren’t even born then, and given it’s a rare honour, New Zealand will be keen to make a mark on the marquee Test over the next few days.

They will have their task cut out, though. Australia were supreme in the first Test, both with bat and ball. Mitchell Starc’s visceral bowling gained him nine wickets and New Zealand were bundled out for 166 and 171, even as Australia’s batsmen, put under the pump at times, set the visitors a heavy target of 468.

Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and even Colin de Grandhomme did a fair bit to keep most Australian batsmen contained in the first Test, but the reason New Zealand lost the day-night even was their batsmen – they just weren’t able to handle Starc, and in general, the varied pace attack possessed by Australia.

The likes of Tom Latham, Jeet Raval and Henry Nicholls will have to support Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and BJ Watling if the visitors are to come away from this Test with something to show for their efforts.

It, therefore, might work in their favour that the behaviour of the MCG pitch is uncertain. With Trent Boult fit again as well, New Zealand will look to restrict the Australians, in particular the in-form Marnus Labuschagne. They will need to, because this will need a team effort.

Head to head

The trans-Tasman rivalry is a celebrated one, but also a one-sided one. In the 58 Test clashes between these sides, Australia have won 32 times. New Zealand’s victories are still in single digits – 8. However, spoiling Boxing Day and New Year festivities for the Australians will be a good incentive for the Black Caps to get their 9th.

Key players

Marnus Labuschagne (Australia): This has been such a good year for Labuschagne. Since replacing Smith as a concussion substitute during the Ashes, Labuschagne is now one of the first names on the team sheet, such has been his form. His century and half-century in Perth contributed hugely to an Australia victory, and he’ll once again be called to do so again. New Zealand, however, will know him better now. It should be interesting.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand): The pillar of the Black Caps batting, the writing was on the wall for the visitors in Perth once their captain was dismissed in each innings. Williamson is capable of the very highest standard, but in Perth, he was far from it, making scores of 34 and 14. He will need to be better if New Zealand are to fare better, it’s as simple as that.

Likely XIs

Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine (c/wk), Pat Cummins, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner

Prediction

Australia are too good at the moment. Expect 2-0.