Captain Steve Smith confirmed his Australia lineup will be unchanged for the second test against New Zealand beginning Friday at the WACA ground, while the visitors will likely wait until just before the toss to decide on their team.
Australia cruised to a 208-run win on Monday at the Gabba in Brisbane, where Peter Siddle was 12th man. Siddle rejoined the squad this week but the right-arm fast bowler will again be on the sidelines.
Smith and coach Darren Lehmann were critical of Australia's new-ball bowling in Brisbane, but selectors decided Thursday not to make a change unless there was an injury.
The WACA pitch is expected to be fast and bouncy.
"The conditions are going to be pretty similar to the Gabba," Smith said. "It looks a very good wicket out there, so we've gone in with the same team."
New Zealand was assessing the fitness of paceman Tim Southee, who injured his back during the first test. Captain Brendon McCullum said he'll wait until Friday before confirming their starting XI, when it is expected to include a four-man pace attack.
"He's an absolute champion in the set-up," McCullum said of Southee. "We will give him as much time as he needs. Hopefully he can take his place in the starting lineup."
New Zealand has bounced back in each of its last two test series against Pakistan and England to level the series after a first-match loss. Winning the toss may be vital: the past eight WACA tests have produced results, with the team batting first winning six of those.
The teams have played six previous tests at the WACA, with Australia winning two and New Zealand one, along with three draws. It's the first test between the countries at the WACA since 2001.
"It will be a challenge, McCullum said. "It's the nature of playing international cricket away from home. We have to be quick to adapt to the conditions."
The teams will play a third match — the first day-night test, using a pink ball — beginning Nov. 27 in Adelaide.
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Teams:
Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (captain), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Johnson, Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
New Zealand: to be named.
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