AUS v NZ 2019: Australia name 13-man squad for New Zealand Test series

The three-match Test series will kickstart in Perth from December 12.

Cameron Bancroft has been snubbed for New Zealand Test series | Getty

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft has been left out of Australia's squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand.

Bancroft's exclusion is the only change to the 14-man squad that thrashed Pakistan 2-0, with pacers James Pattinson and Michael Neser retained in a 13-member squad to face the Black Caps.

Read Also: Australia cement second spot in ICC World Test Championship after 2-0 thrashing of Pakistan

Australia will host New Zealand in Perth from December 12 with the other Tests to be played in Melbourne from Boxing Day and Sydney from January 3.

Pattinson and Neser are unlikely to feature in the first Test given the stellar showing of Mitchell Starc (14 wickets), Josh Hazlewood (10 wickets) and Pat Cummins (8 wickets)against Pakistan.

Bancroft's omission means Travis Head, is certain to retain his spot in the batting line-up for the Day-Night affair in Perth.

"We have cut the squad from 14 to 13, we're very comfortable of course with our batting line-up at the moment, they are functioning quite well," chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns told reporters in Adelaide on Tuesday (December 2).

"So we don't see it necessary to have a batsman as cover in the squad at the moment.

Australia registered innings victories in both the Tests against Pakistan and Hohns admitted that the selection meeting for the New Zealand series was straightforward.

"It's nice to have a couple of very very good wins, it (selection) has been quite relaxing, to be honest," he said.

Australia Squad:

Tim Paine (capt), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

(Inputs from Australian Associated Press)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 03 Dec, 2019

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