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Warner backs Pattinson for Boxing Day

AUSTRALIAN opener David Warner says he cannot wait to play alongside “fierce competitor” and “firepower” bowler James Pattinson as the Victorian paceman prepares for his first Boxing Day Test since 2015.

Pattinson has all but been confirmed to come into the Australian side for injured quick Josh Hazlewood after being 12th man in the first Test in Perth.

The 29-year-old has been in fine form for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield this season, taking 13 wickets from his past three matches. He last played for Australia during The Ashes in England in August, claiming five wickets from two Tests.

“He’s a fierce competitor. He’s got a lot of up-and-go about him,” Warner said.

“He’s been like that since day one, even when he made his debut. He’s just a great, great competitor and he adds a great string to our bow. When you look at what he did for us in England as well, it’s all about for him being consistent and playing back-to-back games.

“He’s chuffed to get back out there and (playing) Boxing Day in front of his home crowd.”

Pattinson had a shaky start to this summer, being suspended for Australia’s first Test against Pakistan at the Gabba after making an alleged homophobic slur during a Shield match. However, Warner said Pattinson had put that behind him and was fired up to return to the fold.

“He was gutted by that decision,” Warner said.

“He knows that he did the wrong thing and he copped it on the chin. For him it’s about doing what he’s doing now — working his backside off to get back on the park. I’m looking forward to playing alongside him again.”

New Zealand will shake up its top order, with Tom Blundell to open and Jeet Raval set to be dropped for the must-win match against Australia.

Blundell opened for the Black Caps in place of Raval in a tour match yesterday, scoring 59 before being retired against a Victorian XI.