Australia call up uncapped fast bowler Chadd Sayers

Australia have named uncapped paceman Chadd Sayers and recalled Jackson Bird to the Test squad to face New Zealand next month.

The selectors believe the likely conditions in Wellington and Christchurch will suit both men, as the Aussies look for the victory that will see them become the No 1 Test side.

Sayers, 28, is the only uncapped player in the squad, and he and Bird will battle with fellow fast bowlers James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle for a place in the team.

Selector Rod Marsh said: "It's a matter of horses for courses; we think the conditions in New Zealand will suit Chadd. He can bowl. He thoroughly deserves his selection."

Bird, who had an injury-hit spell with Hampshire last season, has played three Tests, the last against England at Chester-le-Street in August 2013.

Marsh said both Sayers and Bird could "swing the ball and operate at a lively pace. Our fast bowling depth is certainly being tested because of injury and retirement.

"But the positive part of that is it means there are opportunities for other players to stand up in domestic cricket and stake their claims."

Pattinson and Siddle have also had injury concerns, with the former recovering from soreness in his left shin and the latter sidelined since December due to a troublesome ankle.

Marsh said he was hopeful Pattinson would recover in time for New Zealand, and Siddle was "on the verge of playing again".

The Aussies are expecting a tough series against the hosts, but Marsh admitted they are motivated by the prospect of overtaking India at the top of the world rankings.

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"We know that New Zealand is going to come hard at us, that their players will want some form of payback for the Test series loss," Marsh said.

"The fact that we can move back to the top of the ICC Rankings if we win the series is an added incentive for us," he said.

"But the players will be hungry to do well and we are anticipating a tough but also, hopefully, a successful series."

Australia play Tests against New Zealand in Wellington from February 12 and Christchurch from February 20.

Australia: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Shaun Marsh, Chadd Sayers.

Watch the New Zealand v Australia Test series live on Sky Sports, with coverage underway from 9pm on SS2 on Thursday, February 11.