Cricket: Aussies stick with same XI

Australia will play the same XI against the Black Caps. Photo / Getty Images

Allrounder Dan Christian will be 12th man for Australia in the second cricket Test in Hobart starting on Friday after selectors stuck with the same XI that beat New Zealand by nine wickets in Brisbane.

Captain and co-selector Michael Clarke admitted it was tempting to hand South Australian Christian a Test debut but was confident the team that cruised to victory at the Gabba would get the job done again at Bellerive against the No.8 ranked Test side.

Christian's injection would mostly likely have meant the omission of out-of-sorts opener Phil Hughes.

"We spoke about (playing Christian). That's why he is here,'' Clarke said.

"We know what he can do with the ball. It was a long debate.

"But we felt the team played well in Brisbane and it is important to keep a winning team.''

Christian would have added another bowling option but Clarke believed in his three-pronged pace attack complemented by spinner Nathan Lyon.

He said he would inject himself, Warner and Mike Hussey into the attack - as he did in Brisbane - to share the bowling load.

"There is a lot more grass (on the wicket) than I have ever seen at Hobart,'' Clarke said.

"Day one is going to be tough for the batters, especially if it is overcast, then hopefully it will turn into a pretty good wicket.

"I see Lyon playing a big role for us.

"There is probably a concern if your front line bowlers don't do the job with the new ball. It could be quite a long day but I am confident.''

The second Test starts on Friday.

Australia: David Warner, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (capt), Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon. Dan Christian (12th man).

- AAP