Australia's next Test chapter to be unveil

Opener Cameron Bancroft is expected to be named for his Test debut when Australia's squad for the first Test against New Zealand is announced on Friday.

Cameron Bancroft.

Cameron Bancroft is expected to be included when Australia's first Test squad is announced. (AAP)

After a false start to Australian cricket's next chapter, selection boss Rod Marsh will turn over a new leaf when naming the first Test squad to face New Zealand.

Marsh on Friday will unveil Australia's squad for the series opener in Brisbane on November 5.

Marsh and co-selectors are expected to plump for untried opener Cameron Bancroft and offer a Test recall to batsman Usman Khawaja, and maybe Joe Burns or Shaun Marsh.

The trio were all included in Australia's last Test squad, named in mid-September for a tour of Bangladesh that was postponed for security reasons.

Selection chief Marsh described that Bangladesh squad as a "new chapter" for Australian Test cricket, given the retirements of ex-skipper Michael Clarke, Rogers, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and Ryan Harris.

West Australian 22-year-old Bancroft is set to make his Test debut in the opening berth vacated by Rogers.

Vice-captain Warner, who was unavailable for the scrapped Bangladesh tour because of a broken thumb, proved his fitness for the three-Test series against the Kiwis with a run-scoring return in Sheffield Shield ranks on Wednesday.

Captain Smith is tipped to move down a slot in the batting order to No.4, leaving the pivotal first drop position to Khawaja, who played the last of his nine Tests in August 2013.

WA stalwart Voges will bat at No.5 with his state teammate and allrounder Mitchell Marsh at six - leaving Burns and Shaun Marsh fighting for a possible spare batsman spot.

Gloveman Peter Nevill is inked in, with a likely fast bowling attack of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood supported by Nathan Lyon's offspin.

Selectors could also name paceman Peter Siddle in an expanded squad, given the traditionally pace-friendly conditions at the Gabba.

Possible Australian squad: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner (vice-capt), Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Siddle, Joe Burns.


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Source: AAP



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