Australia, New Zealand face off for 2nd Test today

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Mar 07 (AFP): Australia plan to spoil the party for New Zealand centurions Kane Williamson and Tim Southee when the second Test starts on Friday as they bid to sweep the series.

Fast bowler Southee and batsman Williamson will both make their 100th appearances at Hagley Oval in Christchurch with hosts New Zealand chasing a first Test win over Australia since 2011 to mark the occasion.

But they have their work cut out after a 172-run defeat in the first on the two-Test series last week in Wellington. Australia named an unchanged team.

"It's been a long summer, but we all feel like we've got a bit of freshness about us," said Cummins, the Australian captain.

"We're not limping over the line, and we feel like we're in a great position than I thought we'd be in a couple of months ago.