Test series: Australia vs New Zealand

Starts tomorrow with a pink ball test in Perth.

There is talk of this being New Zealands best ever side and thia suggestion isn't without merit, the batting unit contains 2 of their top 3 test batsmen of all time in Taylor and Williamson alongside other guys such as Tom Latham who are going quite well, Southee, Wagner and Bolt (if fit) represent a cracking pace unit while De Grondhomme and Santner provide a couple all round options who add depth both sides of the ball.

I think their biggest worry has to be the short turn around without a practice match, changing timezones so quickly has to be a worry as well. I worry that by the time they adjust to the extra bounce the series could be gone. Given the MCG will likely be a flat top after the cancelled shield match this Perth test will be pivotal to whether one side wins. For mine a 1-1 draw or Australia 2-0 look the only likely results, Aussies will win easily in Perth, Melbourne a bore draw and it all comes down to Sydney.

Afros has made all of his excuses before the game has even started .

      SO we back the Ozzies with confidence.

Read a betting preview of tomorrow’s match earlier with final recommendation bring to back NZ to lay. May well take that advice for some interest. Looking to green up at 3.25.

Dr E wrote: You could be right Afros, but most of these guys live out of a suitcase, so timezones shouldn't be an issue. Two well balanced in form sides, both have lethal bowlers, it will be up to a couple of batsmen to stand up and be counted again. Looking forward to it, no excuses for poor crowds either! What will the Eastern State playing times look like?

I agree, the bigger issue I think the Kiwis will have is coming from their conditions to faster conditions with more bounce. Game starts at 4pm AEDT I believe.

You'd imagine Boult and Southee will be great tests for Warner.

Joe Burns will always be a worry early.

We should see more of Smith and unfortunately Head.

ExceedAndExcel wrote: Read a betting preview of tomorrow’s match earlier with final recommendation bring to back NZ to lay. May well take that advice for some interest. Looking to green up at 3.25.

On at 5.1 with the lay bet waiting to be matched at 3.2.

Throw away the sedatives this week .

      Test Cricket is on at the right time to put you to sleep.

Carioca wrote: Champagne Labuschagne!!....nice way to get your ton.

Slow as it was , it got me in too Croca ... I didn't go to sleep .

Classic catch removed Warner aye.

Keep your chin up E&E. I almost lost once

Ouch PT That's well & truly below the belt  

Looking pretty good for Australia since.

Well maybe not as bad as Root and Hussein but still a silly call.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I think they made the right call and were extremely unlucky. Australia played and missed so many times, NZ just could not buy a nick.
The wicket had plenty in it. Will be extremely tough now for the kiwis. Particularly batting on days four and five where this wicket will play tricks.