David Warner Age: 29 Tests: 43 3649 runs at 47.78 Australia's most dynamic batsman, so crucial to setting of tone and taking game away from opposition. However is one thumb blow away from the sidelines.
Joe Burns Age: 26 Tests: 2 146 runs at 36.5 Return after two Tests against India to partner Warner after being unlucky to miss Ashes and West Indies tours. Made most Shield runs at the Gabba over the past three years which was a factor in edging out Cam Bancroft for the series opener. 
Usman Khawaja Age: 28 Tests: 9 377 runs at 25.13 Now 28, Khawaja needs to impose himself in a second incarnation at Test level since the 2013 Ashes. Has the fluency and style but must find another gear possibly at No.3.
Steve Smith Age: 26 Tests: 33 3095 runs at 56.27 Arguably the world's best batsman with 11 tons since 2013, the skipper is charged with holding a suspect batting order together. Technique will get a workout from New Zealand left-armer Trent Boult and new-ball partner Tim Southee.
Adam Voges Age: 36 Tests: 7 368 runs at 46 Oldest man on debut to score a Test ton will need more if Australia is to beat New Zealand.
Voges' first class experience is vital but he knows any false steps and his Test journey ends.
Mitchell Marsh Age: 24 Tests: 7 310 runs at 28.18 9 wickets at 34.77 Has Moises Henriques on the hunt for his spot and knows it. Selectors love the allrounder but needs to improve batting and become the genuine wicket taker they crave with Shane Watson retired.
Peter Nevill Age: 30 Tests: 4 143 runs at 23.83 Dismissals: 17 Aiming to cement his Test spot with improved run scoring and assured display behind stumps in his first home summer replacing keeper Brad Haddin.
Mitchell Johnson Age: 33 Tests: 71 2034 runs at 22.35 306 at 27.94 The veteran maintains he's fired up after being written off for an indifferent Ashes tour. Left armer Johnson will menace New Zealand and the West Indies if his form and rhythm returns.
Mitchell Starc Age: 25 Tests: 22 648 runs at 25.92 78 wickets at 31.8 Must replicate his dominance and economy with the white and pink balls in the Test arena to bring his average down from 31 as Steve Smith's spearhead.
Enjoyed exceptional early season form with a record 26 Matador Cup wickets and rolled SA in the Sheffield Shield season opener in Adelaide.
Nathan Lyon Age: 27 Tests: 46 162 at 34.09 Hard work pays off for Australia's most successful off-spinner who bloomed in four years under Michael Clarke's captaincy. With the team in a rebuilding phase, Lyon is one constant for Steve Smith who will rely on Lyon's ability to build pressure.
Josh Hazlewood Age: 24 Tests: 9 40 at 21.75 Backing up from a disappointing Ashes campaign, Hazlewood is under pressure to prove he can be the consistent force that underpins strike pair Starc and Johnson. Will relish the Kookaburra rather than Dukes ball.
Peter Siddle Age: 30 Tests: 57 198 wickets at 29.87 Rebooted career with six wickets in the final Test against England at The Oval that showed the error of the selectors' Ashes judgement. Workhorse Victorian deserves retention in the Gabba seriesopener against New Zealand.