Australia v New Zealand

TV: Live, Channel Nine. From 12.30pm (Melb/Syd)

Weather:

Friday: 36 degrees (mostly sunny)

Saturday: 36 degrees (mostly sunny)

Sunday: 30 degrees (sunny)

Monday: 30 degrees (sunny)

Tuesday: 28 degrees (sunny)

Betting:

Australia: $1.36

New Zealand: $5.50

Draw: $7

(Odds: TAB)

What can we expect of the WACA wicket?

It promises to be fast, full of life and provide some "wild west" action for the fast bowlers. That's what supporters want, and so does curator Matt Page. "It's all about us trying to replicate the olden days and provide a traditional WACA wicket. It goes back to the 1970s. So for us, every wicket we do, we're trying to replicate those conditions," he said. Perth's heat could also be a factor, with temperatures in the mid 30s expected for most of the match. This could lead to the pitch cracking - we just hope it's not as treacherous as the infamous 1996-97 deck.

What have the Aussies learnt about silky stroke-maker Kane Williamson?

Surely plenty, after his first-innings century and second-innings half-century in Brisbane. Williamson has all the strokes, is courageous and can handle Nathan Lyon's spin. What was most impressive is that he has that added split second to play his shots, meaning even the best of deliveries can be nullified. Williamson has been in such hot form over the past year he has barely been dismissed caught behind or in the slips. The Australian quicks now plan to change this by consistently pitching just outside off stump, tempting him to drive, and increasing their chances of luring him into a false stroke. 

Kiwi batsman Kane Williamson. Photo: Getty Images

What will Brendon McCullum have in store in the field?

For the sake of a good contest, hopefully there isn't a repeat of the "funky" field placings of Australia's first innings in Brisbane, especially when David Warner is at the crease. McCullum boasts he is a pro-active skipper and wants to move the game along. He also believes it can be best to bowl to set a plan, however unorthodox, than begin with a traditional attacking field with slips and men square of the wicket. However, at the WACA, where there's every chance the edges will fly, it's likely to be through catches behind the wicket where the wickets will fall early. The Caps will not want to fall into the trap of offering up too many short balls, and will want to use the swing available - something Darren Lehmann has also implored Mitch Starc, Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood to maximise.

Brendon McCullum Photo: Getty Images

What about Australia's fielding?

It wasn't up to scratch in Brisbane, with Adam Voges grassing a simple chance at first slip and Joe Burns dropping a pair at bat pad. Other chances also went begging. Lehmann has demanded improvement in Perth, and has turned the spotlight on Burns and Usman Khawaja. Khawaja lacks athleticism in the field, and will need to show greater life. Yes, he is in the team to score runs but, if his form slips and it becomes a line-ball call with a rival batsman, he could again find himself on the outer.

New kid: Joe Burns lets one slip at short leg during the Brisbane Test. Photo: Getty Images

Can comeback boys Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns back up from Brisbane?

Australia will hope so. What should be remembered is neither is a young pup, rather they are experienced first-class players and, in Khawaja's case, already with 10 Tests to his credit. Burns and David Warner, in Brisbane, became the first Australian openers to post two century stands in a match, with Warner talking fondly of how Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer went about their business a decade ago. He wants a similar relationship with Burns and says they will be "disciplined" in their approach.

Experienced: Usman Khawaja. Photo: Getty Images