Australia v New Zealand - Series Preview

Australia are viewed as huge favourites ahead of this, the third ATG Trans-Tasman clash, and justifiably so; Australia sit second in the world rankings and New Zealand remain firmly anchored to the bottom, having yet to win an ATG series. However, it must be remembered that Australia have won only one series out of their last eight - that being their 2-0 victory in New Zealand - and a record of just three wins in their last fifteen Tests hardly inspires faith. Don Bradman's lack of form during this period has reduced him to the status of mere mortal, but the retention of the Ashes under Richie Benaud's leadership will have increased confidence in the Aussie camp, and there is every possibility that the Kiwis could fall victim to an Australian return to form.

However, John Reid's New Zealand did win their last Test, against Pakistan, and although that was just their fourth win in 36 attempts, there is an air of qualified expectation in the New Zealand camp. Bert Sutcliffe and Lance Cairns earn recalls in a touring party of 15, and the tour kicks off in Hobart with a four day game against an Australian XI, with three Test matches to follow.

New Zealand Squad
JR Reid (c), BE Congdon (v/c), SL Boock, BL Cairns, J Cowie, MD Crowe, MP Donnelly, RJ Hadlee, DK Morrison, DN Patel, MH Richardson, B Sutcliffe, BR Taylor, GM Turner, KJ Wadsworth.