The Australian selectors have backed the side which thrashed Pakistan after naming a 13-man squad for the upcoming three Test series against New Zealand.
Australia takes on New Zealand in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, with the First Test due to commence on Thursday 12 December at Optus Stadium.
Cameron Bancroft has dropped out of the 14-man squad, which has been reduced to 13 players for the series against Black Caps.
“We are backing the current batting line-up to continue their form across the next three Tests,” head selector Trevor Hohns said.
“Whilst not a part of this squad, Cameron Bancroft remains one of the standby players.
“Similarly, depending on conditions, we reserve the right to add a player to the squad at any time during the series.”
Ricky Ponting had floated the idea of young WA all-rounder Cameron Green being included in the squad, while Hohns confirmed Mitchell Marsh remained unavailable due to a hand injury.
“Of course there’s Mitchell Marsh and then theres Marcus Stoinis and there’s young Cameron Green, who is probably not ready yet either,” Hohns said.
“He’s not able to bowl too much, but he is a very good up-and-coming young player.
“We’d have to have a look at that if we require an allrounder, and we would only require one if we were going to play two specialist spinners in Sydney.”
