Australia bat first against Black Caps in Perth

Session times (local time): 1pm - 3pm | 3.40pm - 5.40pm | 6pm - 8pm (add three hours for AEDT)

Australia have won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in sweltering conditions at Perth Stadium for the first Domain Test.

Australia captain Tim Paine confirmed his side is unchanged from the outfit that thumped Pakistan 2-0 in the preceding series, while New Zealand will be without pace ace Trent Boult, who has failed to overcome a side injury.

Australia XI: David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine (c, wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand XI: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitch Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Lockie Ferguson

With Boult out, the Black Caps will field a pace attack of Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and uncapped express paceman Lockie Ferguson.

Debutant Ferguson can hit speeds of 150kph and should be a handful for the Aussie batters on a pitch that is expected to mimic the pace and bounce from last year's inaugural Test at the Perth venue.

The 28-year-old has played 36 ODIs and was the second-highest wicket-taker at this year's World Cup in England with 21 wickets in nine matches.

"It's really exciting to have a guy in our camp who can bowl at that speed," said Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson.

Allrounder Colin de Grandhomme has overcome an abdominal injury to return to the side, replacing Daryl Mitchell.

Temperatures are forecast to hit 40c today, with that number tipped to reach 50c out in the middle.

"If it's 50 it could be quite challenging for anyone in the ground, whether a player or not," Williamson said.

"At the same time it's a dry heat, in terms of being here a few days prior is important to acclimatise to the conditions.

"We'll have to see how it feels at the time and try and monitor some of things. It's definitely a factor, especially here."

No player in the New Zealand squad has played a Test match at any of the three venues – Perth Stadium, MCG and SCG – this campaign as they attempt to win their first Test series in Australia in 34 years.

Players from both sides will wear black armbands in tribute to the lives lost in the tragic White Island volcanic eruption.

The first Domain Test is being broadcast live and free in Australia on Channel 7 as well as live and with no ad breaks during play on Fox Cricket. Fans in Australia can also live stream the match on Kayo via cricket.com.au and the CA Live app, where you can also find live and free radio streams from ABC Grandstand, Crocmedia and Macquarie 

Beat the heat but still enjoy the cricket! Twilight tickets for the Domain Test in Perth are just $25, granting entry for the second and third sessions of the day. Click here for more

Domain Test Series v New Zealand

Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

New Zealand: Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson (c)

First Test: December 12-16, Perth Stadium day-night (Seven, Fox & Kayo)

Second Test: December 26-30, MCG (Seven, Fox & Kayo)

Third Test: January 3-7, SCG (Seven, Fox & Kayo)