Australia announce playing XI for 1st Test against New Zealand; Josh Hazlewood replaces Peter Siddle

Australia have named their playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand for the first Test at Gabba, Brisbane. Peter Siddle, who played a couple of games in the recently concluded Ashes 2015 Test against England has been named as the 12th man and Josh Hazlewood has been named as his replacement. Joe Burns will continue to open with David Warner with Usman Khawaja batting at No. 3. Skipper Steven Smith had said a few days ago that he will bat at No. 4, who is all set to lead Australia in his first full series as Australia’s Test skipper after their tour to Bangladesh was called-off citing security concerns. READ: Steven Smith: Will bat at No.4 against New Zealand in first Test at Gabba

It is a familiar Australian team otherwise, with the likes of Adam Voges and Mitchell Marsh to follow. Marsh will look to cement his place as the premier all-rounder for Australia after Shane Watson’s retirement from the longest format. With James Faulkner lurking with a few good performances in the domestic circuit, he too could be in contention in the future series. READ: Usman Khawaja can cement place in Australian team in series vs New Zealand: Darren Lehmann

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Peter Nevill, who took over from Brad Haddin in the middle of Ashes 2015 will continue to be Australia’s first choice for a wicketkeeper. Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc will lead the pace attack for Australia along with Nathan Lyon, who is the lone spinner in the side.

Speaking of his selection ahead of Siddle, Hazlewood believes that a long run in First-Class cricket got him the nod. “It was obviously my longest run in a row in first-class cricket, let alone Test cricket and I think physically it probably got the better of me toward the back end of the [Ashes] series and my bowling probably showed that,” he said this week, as quoted by cricket.com.au. READ: David Warner vows Australia will play ‘in-your-face’ cricket against New Zealand

“[I was] a little bit inconsistent, so I think I took a lot out of it for next time and for this summer as well with six Tests coming up (against NZ and the West Indies), just to be more consistent “The added pressure of an Ashes series, it is quite tough mentally to be on tour for that long and to have the media and the public and the crowds at you all the time, it is just a step up the Ashes,” Hazlewood added. READ: Joe Burns issues warning to New Zealand bowlers ahead of 1st Test at Brisbane

Australia playing XI for first Test vs New Zealand: Steve Smith (c),David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.