Aus v NZ, 2nd Test, Perth, Nov 13-17

[from_the_stands]

The Aussies go into the second Test brimming with confidence. I'm expecting no change to the Oz line-up, although Mitch3 might move down to 7. Matt Henry will possibly come in for Tim Southee for the Kiwis.

Bring it on!

[yuppie]

Nevill to 6?

Didnt even get a bat at his first home test.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hard to see the Kiwis getting much out of this. Looks like the pink ball's debut will be in a dead rubber.

Didn't see the Starc incident, but I think if the bowler throws the ball at the batter, it should be treated as if bowling a beamer; removal from the bowling innings.

[yuppie]

Hard to see the Kiwis getting much out of this. Looks like the pink ball's debut will be in a dead rubber.

Didn't see the Starc incident, but I think if the bowler throws the ball at the batter, it should be treated as if bowling a beamer; removal from the bowling innings.

Good idea. There is no need for it.

[GarlicJam]

Hard to see the Kiwis getting much out of this. Looks like the pink ball's debut will be in a dead rubber.

Didn't see the Starc incident, but I think if the bowler throws the ball at the batter, it should be treated as if bowling a beamer; removal from the bowling innings.

Good idea. There is no need for it.

Although, its the second beamer that gets the bowler red-carded. (isn't it?)

[Arthur Crabtree]

I did think this over, and I've got a feeling it's two in Tests, and zero tolerance in ODIs (crazy, if true). But I'm expecting to be corrected. I think you should be out straight away. If you have a second chance, that gives you the option of bowling one, or bowling a delivery that runs the risk of being a beamer, like the back of the hand slower ball (which for Brett Lee, still went at 80+mph).

[bigfluffylemon]

As has oft been remarked, Perth isn't exactly the den of fear it used to be. Nonetheless, it is still a difficult place to play if you've never visited before, as the bounce and the breeze can make life difficult. It's almost certainly no coincidence that Western Australians tend to prosper here - see Mike Hussey, Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist et al. Ominously for New Zealand, it is the happiest hunting ground for a certain player still in the team - Mitch J, whose record at the WACA is phenomenal - especially his strike rate.

[meninblue]

Starc threw the ball at Pollard during IPL after having bowled and fielded a straight drive from Pollard. Pollard did not tolerate it, got provoked and threw his bat back at Starc.

[GarlicJam]

Starc threw the ball at Pollard during IPL after having bowled and fielded a straight drive from Pollard. Pollard did not tolerate it, got provoked and threw his bat back at Starc.

I think there was a fair bit of mutual provocation going on, BFL.

[meninblue]

Neil Wagner has been called into New Zealand's Test squad as cover for Tim Southee, who left the field with a back injury on the second morning at the Gabba. Wagner will join the group ahead of the second Test, which starts in Perth next Friday, although New Zealand have not given up hope of Southee being passed fit for that match.

Ref- CI

[from_the_stands]

There's a lot of talk in the Oz media about MJ calling it a day. I hope he doesn't just yet. He's in the shape of his life, he's bowling well, and he's growing the tash back! One more year, Mitch!

[Arthur Crabtree]

2.30 UK time makes this a no goer for me. Just the sudden, speeded up jolt of the made over scorecard in the morning. I presume the Aussies will be unchanged. I guess the Kiwis would like to be unchanged, but Southee may be out. It would be a huge shock if this was anything other than a home win, of course.

[yuppie]

There's a lot of talk in the Oz media about MJ calling it a day. I hope he doesn't just yet. He's in the shape of his life, he's bowling well, and he's growing the tash back! One more year, Mitch!

Yeah from the way he is speaking this could be his last summer.

Maybe he is seeing the quicks that are coming through and wants to make room for them.

But he stays injury free, seems to be enjoying his cricket. As long as he is taking wickets then he should be in the team.

I wonder if he can get past Lilles test wicket haul. 45 to go.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cricinfo suggests a typically bold change for the Kiwis. Henry for the injured Neesham. Wagner standing by for Southee.

[Arthur Crabtree]

35 degrees promised today.