No bat, no dramas for Test keeper Nevill

Wicketkeeper Peter Nevill says he doesn't mind missing out on batting in Test matches, because it means his team is doing well.

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 NZ's misfiring attack, Nevill said he was more than happy to sit in the change rooms and 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.

"It's very good for us as a team. So there's no concern about that.

"From a personal point of view 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 over the space of four knocks during the recent domestic One-Day cup competition, while he made 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 against NZ at the WACA Ground, starting Friday.

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.

"He's got that capability. I'm looking forward to seeing him bowl out here.

"The same goes for Starc and Josh Hazlewood. And Mitch Marsh was bowling at 140 as well in the last Test. We've got some good pace bowlers.

"The WACA is a lovely place to keep. You get to stand a long way back from the stumps, and you have plenty of time to use your feet."


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Source: AAP



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