Australia vs New Zealand Test Series

[BigMozzyDog]

 

4pts NZ to win the first test at 3/1 with Ladbrokes

McCullum's side have since established themselves as contenders in the red-ball game, splitting an enthralling test series 1-1 on English pitches, where Australia were found wanting in a subsequent 3-2 Ashes defeat.

The Black Caps can expect little of the patronising tone that has welcomed weaker New Zealand teams of the past in Australia but more than the usual serving of outright hostility from local crowds.

Australian fans are unaccustomed to disappointment, having not witnessed a test defeat on home pitches for three years and are likely to give McCullum's team a similarly spirited reception to that which greeted England during the 5-0 whitewash in 2013/14.

Australia may only dream of such dominance now, with new captain Smith inheriting a side depleted by the retirements of former skipper and master tactician Michael Clarke, opening batsman Chris Rogers and all-rounder Shane Watson.

Mitchell Marsh is a worthy candidate to carry the all-round duties, but New Zealand seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be eager to tear into Australia's top order reinforcements Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja, who have been named for next week's opening test in Brisbane and the second match in Perth.

Burns showed himself an able replacement for Rogers in scoring two half-centuries against India during the last home summer but Queensland captain Khawaja is on his third life after failing twice before to cement his place at the highest level. Here, the stability of the Kiwis will be the difference.

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