Bancroft out of Australia squad

SYDNEY: After their 2-0 series sweep against Pakistan, Australia have retained 13 of the 14-member Test squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand at home, with the only omission being the extra batsman Cameron Bancroft. Bancroft though remains attached to the squad as a reserve for the series opener in Perth, James Pattinson - who returned to the fold after serving a ban - and Michael Neser will also continue to serve as reserve pacemen. “As we said prior to the Pakistan series we are striving to maintain a core group of players,” Trevor Hohns, Australia’s chairman of selectors, said.

Squad: Tim Paine (C), Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins (VC), Josh Hazelwood, Travis Head (VC), Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson.