Kia ora, good afternoon and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the second test between New Zealand and Australia at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.
Since the Blackcaps' 172-run defeat at Wellington last week, debate has raged over their selection of four seamers, when the encounter was ultimately dominated by Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon.
Part-time tweaker Glenn Phillips took a five-wicket bag for the Kiwis, prompting many to wonder whether space should have been made for frontline spin option Mitch Santner in the playing XI. Coach Gary Stead ended the speculation by admitting they got it wrong.
The tearful retirement of veteran seamer Neil Wagner also prompted former NZ captain Ross Taylor to speculate he was forced out of the squad, when his belligerent approach to opposition batsmen may have made the difference between the two sides.
Captain Tim Southee has already confirmed speedster Ben Sears will make his test debut, replacing injured rookie Will O'Rourke, but Santner may find a place in the line-up this time round.
Join us at 11am for the first ball of this match.
Blackcaps squad: Tim Southee, Tom Blundell, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Australia squad: Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cam Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh. Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Starc
TAB Odds: Australia $1.46, NZ $3.50, Draw $8.30
