James Pattinson will replace Josh Hazlewood in the Australian XI for the second test against NZ at the MCG. In lieu of the lost day, which had been their designated bowling day, they organised to have a lengthier training session on Saturday. Pattinson has played in two Boxing Day tests but his last was against the West Indies in 2015. Black Caps paceman Trent Boult trained strongly again and is poised to make his return on Boxing Day after missing the series opener in Perth due to injury. Melbourne Cricket Club officials and Cricket Australia are under pressure to ensure the surface provides encouragement for batsmen and bowlers, having been heavily criticised over the past two Boxing Day tests.

Source: Stuff December 22, 2019 03:56 UTC