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James Pattinson was called up by Australia as they look to clean sweep their series against New Zealand in the second Test in Christchurch. (Peter Siddle Ruled Out of Second Test Against New Zealand)
Captain Steve Smith said Pattinson, who missed the first Test because of injury, will replace Peter Siddle who suffered a back strain in the series opener won by Australia by an innings and 52 runs. (Brendon McCullum Farewell Dominates Build-Up To Second Test)
After Australia’s last practice ahead of the Saturday start, Smith said Pattinson had gone through considerable work in the nets this week “and we’re all confident he’ll get through this next Test match and hopefully he can have a big impact for us.
“He had three or four sessions and bowled with good pace.”
Pattinson joins Josh Hazlewood and Jackson Bird in a three-pronged pace attack on another green wicket, similar to the first Test in Wellington where New Zealand were all out for 183 inside two sessions on the first day.
“I’m not sure how it goes here whether it dries out quite quickly or not, we’ll wait and see in the morning. But at the moment it’s quite green and wet,” said Smith.
“It looks pretty similar to the last wicket the day before the game.”
If Australia win the Test they will overtake India at the top of the world rankings.
“For me, it’s satisfying to get that ranking, that would be really good for us as a group. When you’re number one you want to stretch that as a group. That’s really important for us.”
New Zealand have their last practice session later Friday.
Australia:David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird
Source: NDTV