Australia vs New Zealand, 2019-20: 3rd Test – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 3rd Test of the three-match series between Australia and New Zealand will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney.

The match starts at 10:30 AM local time (11:30 AM GMT – January 2) (5:00 AM IST). This match can be watched live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy:

The tour of Australia began on an ambitious note for New Zealand. They defeated England in the series at home and were set to play a Boxing Day Test after about three decades. The team seemed to be in good spirits and was expected to give the hosts a tough competition. However, their aspirations didn’t turn out to be true as they bagged huge defeats in the first two games and already lost the series.

Juggernauts Australia were absolutely ruthless about their approach and will want to maintain the same intensity in Sydney as well. Their bowlers have been doing a terrific job and have got more than adequate amount of support from the batsmen. Can New Zealand bounce back and salvage some pride in this last Test match (also called the Pink Test) of this tour?

Weather Report

The weather will be cloudy on all the five days of this Test match. There will be strong winds blowing around. Moreover, rain is forecast on Friday, Monday and Tuesday. Teams will have to keep the conditions in mind and strategise accordingly.

Pitch Condition/Report:

At the same time last year, a Test match was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground between Australia and India. The track looked good for batting but also had something on offer for the spinners. Looking at the weather conditions, the fast bowlers will surely be licking their lips.

Injury and Availability News:

Peter Siddle has announced his retirement and thus will not be available for selection for this game.

Trent Boult is ruled out of this game due to a fractured hand. William Somerville has replaced him in the squad.

Kane Williamson didn’t train two days ahead of the Test match and seems to be doubtful for this match. Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner are also ill and didn’t train.

New Zealand have called up uncapped batsman Glenn Phillips to the Test squad. He might play if Williamson and Nicholls don’t recover in time.

Probable Playing XIs:

Australia

Joe Burns, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine (c & wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson

Bench: Michael Neser, Mitchell Swepson.

New Zealand

Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls/Jeet Raval, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, William Somerville/Todd Astle.

Bench: William Somerville/Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Jeet Raval, Kyle Jamieson, Glenn Phillips

Top Picks:

David Warner is due for a big one in this series and loves batting at the SCG. Thus, he is one of the top picks for your Dream11 Fantasy team. Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne are other important picks. You must have Neil Wagner in your bowling attack.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head

Vice-Captain Options – David Warner, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Tom Blundell

Batters – David Warner (VC), Steve Smith, Ross Taylor

All-Rounders – Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne (C), Colin de Grandhomme

Bowlers – James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Neil Wagner, Pat Cummins

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Tim Paine, BJ Watling

Batters – David Warner, Steve Smith (C), Ross Taylor (VC)

All-Rounders – Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne

Bowlers – Mitchell Starc, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Nathan Lyon

Expert Advice:

Once the Playing XIs are out, you can look to get an additional spinner in your Dream11 Fantasy team keeping the pitch in mind.

Probable Winners:

Australia is predicted to win this game and make it a clean sweep.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.