Australia have announced a 14-member squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand. There are no big surprises in the squad. Pace bowler Michael Neser has returned to the squad. Keeping in mind the pace-friendly conditions of New Zealand, Neser has been returned to the team.

Neser was on the team for the final match of the World Test Championship last year. He played two Tests in Adelaide in the 2021-22 season against England and the following season against the West Indies. Has taken 9 wickets at an average of 50.33 in the Sheffield Shield this season. Which makes it clear that his performance has decreased significantly. Yet he is seen as the ideal bowler for New Zealand. He can also bat well in the lower order with pace bowling. So the selectors have confidence in him.

However, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are the first three pace bowlers of the team. If Australia want to play the pace fourth bowler, it will be a battle between Michael Neser and Scott Boland. Moreover, Cameron Green is also a pace-bowling all-rounder.

Matt Renshaw could not play any match even though he was in the West Indies series team. He has also been retained in the team for the New Zealand series.

It may be noted that the first match of the two-match Test series will begin on February 29 in Wellington and the second match will begin on March 8 in Christchurch.

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc.