New Zealand and Australia gear up for Boxing Day clash

WILLIAM WEST / AFP

New Zealand have made two changes ahead of their second Test against Australia, which starts in Melbourne on Thursday.

Tom Blundell will replace the struggling opener Jeet Raval, while bowler Trent Boult returns after a rib injury.

Australia will include James Pattinson in place of the hamstrung Josh Hazlewood.

Coach Justin Langer has also indicated that they might drop a batsman and opt for a fifth bowler.

New Zealand are playing their first Boxing DayTest at the MCG in 32 years. They are trailing 1-0 in the three-match series after losing the first Test in Perth by 296 runs.