Cricket: Nevill just as happy watching team pile on the runs

Nevill has barely spent any time in the middle since taking part in Australia's doomed Ashes campaign in England earlier this year. Photo / Getty Images

Australian wicketkeeper Peter Nevill is in danger of getting a sore backside from too much sitting around this summer - but he insists it won't sour the taste of victory.

With Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, David Warner and Adam Voges all posting big scores in Brisbane last week, Nevill wasn't required to bat during Australia's crushing 208-run demolition of New Zealand in the first test. But instead of getting down at missing out on the chance to punish New Zealand's misfiring attack, Nevill said he was more than happy to see the top-order flourish.

"It's wonderful if the guys in the top order are getting a lot of runs and I'm not needing to bat," Nevill said.

"I'd obviously love to bat and contribute. But I'd be just as happy sitting on my arse and watching the boys bat. I'd certainly enjoy coming in and not having to play a rearguard-type innings."

Nevill has barely spent any time in the middle since taking part in Australia's doomed Ashes campaign in England earlier this year.

The 30-year-old made just 28 runs across four knocks during the recent domestic one-day cup competition, while he scored just 11 in a first-class fixture against South Australia late last month.

But after hitting plenty of balls in the Brisbane nets last week, Nevill says he will be ready to fire during the second test at the WACA Ground, starting today.

WACA curator Matt Page said players can expect a fast and bouncy deck, and Nevill is looking forward to standing behind the stumps while the likes of Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc steam in.

"He can be frightening even on slow, low wickets," Nevill said of Johnson, who has enjoyed some of his finest moments at the WACA. "The same goes for Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Mitch Marsh was bowling at 140 as well in the last test. We've got some good pace bowlers."

- AAP