Australia vs New Zealand, Boxing Day Test 2019, Key Players: Trent Boult, Pat Cummins, Ross Taylor and Other Cricketers to Watch Out for in Melbourne

After registering a 296-run victory in the opening Test of the series, Australia will take on New Zealand in the second encounter of the series in Melbourne. The match will go underway on December 26 and this will be a boxing-day Test. A victory for the hosts in the forthcoming game will seal the series for them while the Kane-Williamson led side will seek to make an emphatic comeback in the do or die encounter. Marnus Labuschagne has been in great form lately and will look to extend his golden run while for New Zealand, veterans like Kane Williamson and Tim Southee will need to put their hands up. Australia Vs New Zealand, Cricket Score 2nd Test Match

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second clash due to a hamstring injury and James Pattinson is likely to replace him. On the other hand, Trent Boult, who missed out the first Test due to a side strain, is hopeful to make a comeback. These facts certainly go in the Blackcaps’ favour and they will fancy their chances to win the upcoming clash in order to level the series 1-1. Meanwhile, let’s look at some key players who can come good in the forthcoming clash. Australia vs New Zealand Dream11 Team Prediction: Tips to Pick Best Playing XI.

Steve Smith

The number-two ranked Test batsman has not been in great form off late and will try to go back to his prime in Melbourne. The right-handed batsman doesn’t tend to be in great form for too long and the Kiwis must vary off them. Also, the former Aussie skipper has a good record in Melbourne and another great knock might just be on the cards.

Trent Boult

After missing the first Test of the series, the left-arm pacer is expected to make a comeback in the Boxing Day Test and will try to strengthen New Zealand’s bowling attack. With his ability to bowl sharp inswingers and pinpoint yorkers, Boult can give any batsman a run for their money and eye to execute his abilities in order to run through Australia’s batting order.

Pat Cummins

By bagging 15.5 crores by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020 auctions, Cummins has become a talk of the town and many eyes will be on him when the pacer will take the field in the next match. In recent times, Cummins has been in sensational form in recent times and is also the number-one ranked Test bowler. So, let’s see if the 26-year old can continue his good form or the Kiwis will dominate him.

Ross Taylor

The veteran New Zealand batsman is ageing like fine wine and only seems to get better with time. In the first Test of the series too, Taylor made a fighting 80 despite not getting much support from the other end. However, in the upcoming match, he will want to play a match-winning knock to help his side level the series 1-1.

BJ Watling

The wicket-keeper batsman might not be one of the most charismatic cricketers going around but his effectiveness on the cricket field is certainly second to none. The 34-year old is a veteran of 66 Tests and has also mustered a double century not a long time ago. So, the cricketer wil certainly want to utilize all his experience and put up a thumping show in Melbourne.

Both the sides had an eventful year and the upcoming match will also be the last international match for both the sides in 2019. So, both the sides will seek to put up a clinical performance in the Boxing Day Test and end the year on a winning note.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 24, 2019 09:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).