Australia's considering adding an extra paceman to its XI for the Boxing Day cricket test against the Black Caps

The hosts will take a final look at the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch this morning before deciding whether to including Michael Neser for specialist batsman Travis Head.

Captain Tim Paine says it's a real option.

The two sides will be confirmed at the toss, but Black Caps captain Kane Williamson confirmed his side's two changes during his Christmas Day media interviews.

Tom Blundell comes in for Jeet Raval and the fit-again Trent Boult replaces the injured Lockie Ferguson.



Some welcome news out of Johannesburg.

Ged Stokes - former Kiwis league international and father of English cricketer Ben - is on the improve after being admitted to hospital around Christmas Eve.

Stokes remains in intensive care but has responded well to treatment and is in a stable condition.

Ben Stokes played a full part in England's training ahead of the first test against South Africa starting tonight.



Kiwi UFC flyweight Kai Kara-France will fight Hawaii's Tyson Nam in Auckland next February.