Australia announce 14-member squad for New Zealand test tour

Australia will tour New Zealand in February-March 2024 for three T20Is and two tests.

The Trans-Tasman rivalry will resume after seven years as Australia are set to travel to New Zealand for a month-long tour. Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a 14-member squad for the two-match test series. Australian selectors have recalled all-rounder Michael Neser for the two-match test series against New Zealand. Australia recently suffered a shock defeat against West Indies at Gabba.

Michael Neser was part of the Australian setup for a long time, but has not had enough chances in the playing XI due to star-studded Australian pace attack. Opener Mathew Renshaw also has been included in the 14-member squad and he will be a backup opener once again as Australian management has decided to give Steve Smith two more games as opener.

Australian national selection panel chief George Bailey expressed that Neser has got opportunity backing himself with consistent performances in domestic cricket. Bailey said, “It’s great to see Michael Neser get another opportunity in the squad following his ever-consistent performances over a long period of time and the conditions we expect.”

George Bailey gave a hint that Australia might be playing with their full-strength pace bowling lineup against New Zealand. While responding a question on why Lance Morris was not included, He replied, “The luxury of this tour only being in New Zealand, it’s not a massive trip, so a number of players in specific roles that if we do need to get them across that it’s not too much of a challenge.”

New Zealand are currently at top of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 points table. They are currently playing a two-match test series test against South Africa. The first test between Australia and New Zealand will be played after the T20I series. The first test will start on 29th February at Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second test will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Australia 14-member squad for two-match test series against New Zealand

Pat Cummins (C), Steve Smith (VC), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc

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