Australia To Take Unchanged 11 Into 2nd Test Vs NZ

Hobart, Australia, Dec 8 : Allrounder Daniel Christian has missed out on the starting lineup for the second cricket test against New Zealand starting Friday, with selectors retaining the 11 players who helped Australia to a nine-wicket victory in the series-opening match last week.
 
Opener Phillip Hughes was under the most pressure after two failures in the first test, but kept his spot when selectors opted against including Christian.

Pacemen James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc and opening batsman David Warner made their test debuts last week in an injury-depleted squad but showed some encouraging signs with contributions in the win.

Pattinson took 5-27 in the second innings, including three wickets with the first four balls on the last day, to claim the man-of-the-match honors.

Christian would have given Australia captain Michael Clarke an extra bowling option and been a like-for-like replacement for the injured Shane Watson, but his inclusion would have forced a reshuffle in the batting order.
 
"We know what (Christian) can do with the ball. It was a long debate," Clarke said of the selection meeting. "But we felt the team played well in Brisbane and it is important to keep a winning team."

Clarke said he could bowl some overs along with part-timers Mike Hussey and Warner to add variety to an attack comprising three fast bowlers and spinner Nathan Lyon.

He said there was more grass on the Bellerive Oval pitch than he'd ever seen at Hobart, which was likely to make life difficult for the batsmen if it's overcast on Friday.

"Day one is going to be tough for the batters, especially if it is overcast, then hopefully it will turn into a pretty good wicket," he said. "I see Lyon playing a big role for us.
 "There is probably a concern if your front line bowlers don't do the job with the new ball. It could be quite a long day but I am confident."