3:01 Watch the best bits of New Zealand batsman BJ Watling’s sublime double century against England in the first Test, at Bay Oval
The one potential position of concern is the opening spot alongside Latham, which has been occupied by Jeet Raval. His position is under scrutiny after a run of 83 runs in his last nine innings at an average of 9.2 – not the form he would want ahead of facing Australia’s strong pace attack.
But while Australia’s fiery attack should be feared – at least on the evidence of their crushing win over an overmatched Pakistan – New Zealand have weapons of their own.
Tim Southee and Trent Boult remain a potent combination, their respective career wicket hauls of 258 and 255 adding a dose of extra intrigue to their own good-natured banter about who leads the attack.
Boult may not get the chance to stake his claim this week as he continues to recover from the side strain he sustained in the recent series against England – but his record of 22 wickets in his last six Tests against Australia and 16 wickets in pink-ball Tests at 12.5 apiece means that New Zealand will give him every chance to play before making their decision.
His absence would clear the way for Lockie Ferguson to make his Test debut after impressing in the shorter formats, and his extra pace could prove an admirable foil for Neil Wagner’s variety.
Wagner claimed his fourth five-wicket haul in seven innings earlier this month against England, meaning his 47 Test victims have cost just 12.42 runs apiece.
“Wagner has come through unbelievably over the last 18 months,” said Franklin. “The point of difference he offers to the captain in comparison to Southee and Boult is beautiful.
“He’s not rapid but he does intimidate with his variations and in the way that he attacks the middle of the pitch asking questions of the batsmen’s courage.”
0:16 Neil Wagner pinned Stuart Broad lbw to complete a five-for and seal an innings win for New Zealand in the first Test
Australia should have that attribute in spade after steamrollering Pakistan with opener David Warner to the fore – the left-hander finishing the series with an average of 489.
The home side are, unsurprisingly, likely to be unchanged for their third Test in a row and – with temperatures expected to hit 40 degrees in Perth – will aim to hit their visitors, who go into the Test without a warm-up game, cold.
The floodlit stage is set.
Sourse: skysports.com
