Australia vs New Zealand Fantasy Cricket Tips: In the final showdown of the Trans-Tasman rivalry this year, New Zealand will face the mighty Aussies in the New year’s Test at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground. After already taking a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series, the hosts will look to clean sweep their opponents, while the Kiwis, who have been much ordinary on this tour, will play for pride in the third Test.
Weather Conditions:
The weather conditions, as usual, are promising for the first half of the Test match. However, it is expected to rain on the last three days of the match with regular thunderstorms. The first three days will be highly humid and should not interrupt the course of action.
Pitch Conditions:
SCG is among one of the few stadiums in Australia which fancies a traditional pitch rather than a drop-in pitch as is the case at other grounds. The pitch at the SCG is traditionally known to assist spinners. It offers equal opportunities for batsmen and the bowlers with its true sporting nature. However, for the third Test, there are speculations of a possibility of a spinning track being dished out by the pitch curator.
Average first Innings score: 316
Average second Innings score: 314
Average third Innings score: 252
Average fourth Innings score: 168
Matches won batting first: 46
Matches won bowling first: 41
Injury and availability news: Kiwi pacer Trent Boult has already been ruled out of the third Test and Will Somerville has been called in as his replacement into the New Zealand squad. There is a possibility that the hosts might hand a debut to the young leg-spinner Mitch Swepson in the third Test at Sydney. Skipper Williamson is also in doubt for the final Test due to an illness.
Australia vs New Zealand Fantasy Cricket Tips: Probable Playing XIs
Australia:
David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mathew Wade, Tim Paine (C & WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon
Bench – Michael Neser, Mitch Swepson
New Zealand:
Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Will Somerville
Bench – Matt Henry, Jeet Raval, Todd Astle, Kyle Jamieson
Australia vs New Zealand Fantasy Cricket Tips: Top Picks
Marnus Labuschagne has been in sublime form throughout 2019 except for his rare failure in the second innings in Melbourne. Mitchell Starc has been Australia’s best bowler this summer, ably supported by Pat Cummins. For New Zealand, Neil Wagner has been the lone shining star in the series. In the second innings, Tom Blundell, displayed his quality to score runs even against the best in the world.
Australia vs New Zealand Fantasy Cricket Tips: Captain and Vice-Captain
Captain – Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Neil Wagner
Vice-Captain – Ross Taylor, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon
Australia vs New Zealand Fantasy Cricket Tips: Suggested Playing XI No.1
Keeper – BJ Watling
Batters – Tom Blundell, Steven Smith, Travis Head, David Warner
All-Rounders – Marnus Labuschagne (C), Mitchell Santner
Bowlers – Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon (VC)
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Australia vs New Zealand Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Keeper – Tim Paine
Batters – David Warner, Tom Latham, Steven Smith (C), Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor
All-Rounders – Marnus Labuschagne,
Bowlers – Neil Wagner (VC), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon
Expert Advice:
The pitch at SCG generally suits the slow bowlers, so it is a no-brainer to pack your Fantasy XI with spinners from both sides. Also, the matches at the SCG, are usually dictated by the teams batting first, hence it will be wise to include most batsmen from the team batting first in the Fantasy XI.
Probable Winners:
Though Australia is expected to steamroll BlackCaps in the third Test, the Kiwis are known to bounce back, especially when they are down and out. Skipper Kane Williamson hasn’t tasted success in the series so far, and who knows he might choose Sydney to change his fortunes with the bat.
Match Details:
The third Test between Australia and New Zealand will be played at the Sydney Cricket ground in Sydney. The match begins at 10:30 AM local time (5:00 AM IST). The live coverage will be streamed on the Sony network in the sub-continent.
