'Speed Merchant' Cummins may edge Hazlewood out for trans-Tasman WC clash against Kiwis

Australian rising speedster Pat Cummins may get a green signal from selectors to unleash his menacing pace, edging out teammate Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI during their upcoming high-octane World Cup tie against New Zealand on Saturday in Auckland.

Following Hazlewood's under-performance in the tournament opener against England, it is believed that selectors might give Cummins a chance to join forces with their much-vaunted pace attack in their crucial Pool A clash.

Believing that fierce competitiveness between both players could boost Australia's chances, bowling coach Craig McDermott said that Pat was probably a bit quicker and he was probably got a few more change-ups from a variation point of view than Josh, News.co.au reported.

In light of Hazlewood's performance, the bowling coach remarked that Josh probably didn't start the best he could have started against England, adding that he probably just fell off the ball and pushed the ball into middle and leg which was not his go.

A final decision would be made on Friday by Darren Lehmann and selector Mark Waugh.