New Zealand look to Boult in rare Boxing Day Test
Melbourne, December 24
New Zealand are hopeful of having pace spearhead Trent Boult back to help halt a rampant Australia in the Black Caps’ first Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in more than 30 years.
The veteran, suffering a side strain, was badly missed during the opening Test in Perth, when the visitors were thrashed by 296 runs in stifling conditions. But he has been toiling in the nets and expects to be ready for a rare appearance by his country on one of the best-known dates of the cricket calendar. “I want to really embrace it and appreciate that stage for what it is,” the left-armer told reporters of the special atmosphere that comes with a Boxing Day Test in the 100,000-capacity arena.
“This is the stage that a lot of people dream of being on so to get this opportunity in my career, it’s definitely something that I’m looking forward to. If I can tick all the right boxes with my body and get myself fit, then I can’t wait to get out there,” he added.
A big crowd is expected with New Zealand fans snapping up thousands of tickets to witness the December 26 appearance by their team at one of cricket’s most famous grounds. Extra flights were reportedly scheduled between Auckland and Melbourne to cater for demand. The last time New Zealand faced Australia in a Boxing Day Test was 1987, before many of the current squad were born, with the home side holding on for a draw despite blistering bowling from legendary quick Richard Hadlee.
What sort of wicket they find on Thursday is the great unknown. Only a fortnight ago, play was abandoned during a domestic Sheffield Shield game at the ground due to a dangerous pitch, with erratic bounce seeing balls rise sharply and unexpectedly to pummel the batsmen.
Australia go into the second of three Tests without bowling kingpin Josh Hazlewood who was injured in Perth. James Pattinson is set to replace him as the third quick alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who has been lethal this summer.
Australia coach Justin Langer confirmed David Warner, who was struck on the hand during a net session and needed treatment, would be fit. — AFP
Girlfriend said we can buy more toys for dog: Cummins on IPL windfall
Pat Cummins became the most expensive foreign buy at the 2020 Indian Premier League auctions earlier this month. Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for Rs 15.5 crore, which surpassed the amount that Rising Pune Supergiant paid for England all-rounder Ben Stokes in the 2017 IPL auctions. Cummins, however, is determined to remain grounded despite the windfall. The Australian, who is the No. 1-ranked Test bowler in the world, said that he doesn’t really know what to do with the money. “I don’t know what to do with the money,” he said. “My girlfriend… the first thing she said was ‘we can buy the dog a couple more toys now’. She has got her priorities sorted. I will try my best not to change. Lucky, I have got good people around me. The boys in the team are great but also my family and friends. I still play cricket because I love it. I am really fortunate and grateful for everything that has happened,” he added. IANS
5 Australia’s world Test ranking. New Zealand are currently the No. 2-ranked team in the world
3 Times Australia and New Zealand have squared-off against each other in Melbourne. In 1973, Australia won by an innings and 25 runs. In 1980 and 1987, the matches were drawn
