Harris welcomes Bird’s inclusion in Oz Test squad against Kiwis

The Australian selectors have named fast bowler Jackson Bird in the playing XI of the first Test match against New Zealand which will begin on 12th February in Wellington.

Steve Smith, now carrying the burden of leading Australia in all three formats, is feeling the heat from a disappointed home media after his first series loss as skipper.

“To be able to play 100 straight Tests…” He was dropped after the England test, which was the fourth test of that year’s Ashes series, and only now regains his place as Australia contends with injuries and retirements. If Australia win the series 1-0, then they will finish on 111 points, while a 2-0 win will put it on 112 points.

After turning a few heads with their World Cup squad, the Aussies have thrown another curve ball with the Test side for the series.

The first match at the Basin Reserve will be his 100th test, all of which have been played in succession since his debut in 2004.

“I don’t think there should be a replay on the screen before the next ball’s bowled”.

“I’m really happy with the XI we’ve picked and hopefully we can have a successful week”.

“The last 15-20 tests have been an incredible part of my life”.

“We’ve got a very good bowling line-up who will swing the ball and if the conditions do favour us I’m confident we’ll ask some tough questions”.

The best time to bowl is always day one at the Basin before it flattens out and batsmen feast. Opener David Warner said “most of the batters want to be bowlers looking at that wicket”. The interesting twist to the series is Brendon McCullum’s 100th Test. However, with both sides meeting on New Zealand soil for the first time in 5 years, a feisty encounter is on the cards.

Batting at quantity 5, McCullum scored New Zealand’s first test triple century, towards India on the Basin Reserve two years in the past, however it’s the improvement of the aspect since that match is what McCullum stated he would keep in mind probably the most.

New Zealand went on to win that match by 193 runs to fill out its recent extended record of success in home test matches.

McCullum’s men have featured in one Test series since their defeat by Australia.

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, BJ Watling (wk), Mark Craig, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

Their pace bowling unit of Peter Siddle, Jackson Bird and new spearhead Josh Hazlewood lacks the blistering speed of the two Mitchells, Starc and Johnson, both of whom created doubt, and at times fear, in the minds of batsmen.

New Zealand have also reshuffled their side because of injury, with Henry Nicholls replacing Ross Taylor (side strain) for his debut while Mark Craig gets a start as the sole spinner in place of injured Mitchell Santner.