Long time between Boxing Day tests for New Zealand vs Australia

It's been a long time between Boxing Day Tests for Australia's closest cricketing neighbour. New Zealand's last appearance on Dec. 26 in Melbourne was in 1987. So long ago, in fact, that only four of current starters  Neil Wagner, Ross Taylor, B.J. Watling and Colin de Grandhomme  were born. Fast bowler Tim Soue says importance of occasion is t lost on anyone involved in squad. A crowd of up to 75,000 is expected for day one of second Test, beginning Thursday at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Long-time between Boxing Day tests

"A lot of great cricketers from New Zealand haven't had chance to do it so it's something special," Soue said. 

"I'm sure everyone grew up watching Boxing Day test. crowds and history behind it and New Zealand t having had one for 30-odd years, it's something a little bit different." 

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After New Zealand's 296-run loss to Australia in day-night Test in Perth, New Zealand have lost patience with struggling opener Jeet Raval. He's been replaced at top of order by reserve wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who played last of his two Tests in December 2017 and batted at . 8. "He's been around side for a while and he seems to have taken every chance he's had," Soue said. Also into team comes Soue's long-time opening bowling partner Trent Boult, who sat out first test due to a rib muscle injury. left-armer was missed in Perth, with Boult's 17 wickets in Australian conditions sixth-most by a Kiwi bowler.

"t only our partnership, but 'Wags' (Neil Wagner) as well, three of us have played a lot of cricket toger," Soue said. "We've had a lot of success toger so it's nice to have Trent back." 

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Australia, meanwhile, is considering picking five bowlers in a bid to counteract expected batting-friendly conditions at MCG. Fast bowler James Pattinson will return as a replacement for injured Josh Hazlewood, who sustained a hamstring injury in Perth test and is still t fit. Australia captain Tim Paine said Wednesday he will delay making a call on team until getting a final look at pitch on Thursday morning.

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"Looking at wicket in last two or three Boxing Day Test matches, it's been very hard to take 20 wickets," Paine said, "Our batting team has been scoring a lot of runs so if we were to go one more bowler, we would be comfortable y could do job."  Australia used all-rounder Mitch Marsh as a fifth bowling option in Melbourne in both last year's loss to India and Ashes draw a year earlier. teams will play third test in Sydney beginning Jan. 3.

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