Australia vs New Zealand 2015-16: David Warner, Mitchell Starc and others to watch out for

Australia will look to put in a good performance against a resilient New Zealand side in the three-Test series.

The month of November brings a treat for cricket lovers as cricketing giants Australia and New Zealand face each other for a three-Test series. Both the powers are taking on each other in Test cricket after four years. If that is not enough to make it an interesting clash to watch, it has to be the inaugural day and night Test — the last of the series — to be played with a pink Kookaburra ball. As one of the most awaited series is all set to get into action, Paulami Chakraborty lists 5 players for the Aussie side who can change the course of the game. Scorecard: Australia vs New Zealand, 1st Test at Brisbane

David Warner: Though the 2015 Ashes did not go in Australia’s way, among the few positives that they can pick from the series is Warner’s runs. Scoring quite consistently, Warner emerged as one of the highest scorers in the series for his side, contributing in the two wins Australia snatched at Lord’s and The Oval. Continuing that form forward to this series as well, Warner is expected to give Australia a strengthened start as an opener. READ: David Warner’s return is significant for Australia ahead of New Zealand Test series

Mitchell Starc: Player of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Starc has to be the one on whom Australia’s bowling attack will depend a lot. With a successful Ashes series, Starc will be the bowler to look to for his side. Two of the three matches will be played at Brisbane and Perth, where the pitch offers extra bounce. It will be interesting to see how New Zealand decode Starc’s clever spells. READ: Why has Mitchell Starc not flourished in Tests the way he has in ODIs?

Usman Khawaja: Not a regular member of the team, Khawaja has been recalled for his side after 2013 Ashes. Playing in the second Ashes Test, he scored 54 in the second innings and emerged as the highest scorer for his side. But the next Test saw a controversial decision from the TV umpire that made ended his innings on 24 in the second innings of the third Test. After a marvellous performance for Australia A against India A and South Africa A, he got rewarded with a chance to represent his country once again. This is Khawaja’s chance to prove his potential and earn a permanent spot in the team and surely he will not let that go.

Nathan Lyon: Though Australia has pitches that mostly favour pace, Lyon has always played the perfect foil to the speedsters. The first Test will be played at Brisbane, which is where Lyon comes in action. With a good Ashes season this summer under his belt, Lyon will be expected to produce turn and will be quite depended upon. READ: Ashes 2015: Nathan Lyon’s role in Australia’s bowling attack extremely critical

Steven Smith: The most charismatic batsman for Australia has to be Smith, their skipper. Over the past few years Smith has evolved from a fringe lower middle-order batsman to a quality top-order star. His 225 in the second Test of 2015 Ashes led Australia to a victory with a margin of 405 runs. All eyes will definitely be on Smith and not only for his batting, but for his decisions as a captain. A big Test for Smith, definitely. READ: Australia vs New Zealand 2015-16: Steven Smith’s biggest Test till date

(Paulami Chakraborty, a singer, dancer, artist, and photographer, loves the madness of cricket and writes about the game. She can be followed on Twitter at @Polotwitts)

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