Australia to bat first against New Zealand in the third test

Australia won the toss to bat against New Zealand in the third test in Sydney here on Friday (today).

New Zealand team, with the series already lost, was in disarray with five changes, among them skipper and star batsman Kane Williamson, who has been ill in the lead-up.

Batsman Henry Nicholls and spinner Mitchell Santner were other illness withdrawals.

While paceman Tim Southee lost his place to spinner Todd Astle.

Paceman Trent Boult is also missing after returning home with a broken hand suffered in the second Test in Melbourne.

Batsman Glenn Phillips, named to make his Test debut, with opener Tom Latham to lead the side in Williamson’s absence.

Glenn Phillips made a late dash to Sydney as cover.

Will Somerville, Matt Henry, Jeet Raval and Astle were called into the side, while the Australians were unchanged after considering Mitchell Swepson as a second spinner.

The Test played against the backdrop of one of Australia´s most devastating bushfire seasons.

At least 18 people lost their lives in blazes raging across the country, including on the outskirts of Sydney.

Play will suspend in the match at the umpire´s discretion, should smoke significantly affect air quality or visibility.

Also Read: Australian Paceman Siddle retires from International Cricket

Australian Paceman Peter Siddle has announced retirement from international cricket after 11 years in the game.

Siddle has played 67 Tests for Australia, returning 221 wickets at 30.66.

Australian Pacer last played for Australia in the fifth Test of the Ashes this year in England.

In his recent statement, Siddle said “It’s always hard to know what the right time is, it was sort of the Ashes.”

“That was the main goal – to try and get on that touring party and be a part of that series.”

“As a young kid I wasn’t super talented so I had to work hard for it. Just to wear baggy green, walk out with it, represent Australia.”