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New Zealand's preparations in tatters after illness strikes

New Zealand's preparation for the third trans-Tasman Test continues to be affected by illness, with sick skipper Kane Williamson set to miss a second day of training at the SCG.

Williamson and fellow batsman Henry Nicholls, who both failed to train in Sydney on New Year's Day, remain unwell and aren't expected to venture to the iconic ground on Thursday.

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Tim Paine says Australia are fully expecting Williamson, who was sent back to the hotel with flu-like symptoms after arriving at the SCG for training on Wednesday, to play the series finale.

The news comes as Paine expects to name the same starting line-up that has dominated New Zealand in Perth and Sydney.

Kane Williamson missed the second day of training through illness. (Getty Images)
Kane Williamson missed the second day of training through illness. (Getty Images)

Australia are leaning towards naming an unchanged XI for the third Test against New Zealand at the SCG but will wait until a last-minute pitch inspection before making a call.

Uncapped legspinner Mitchell Swepson was drafted into the Test squad amid expectations of a spin-friendly pitch.

Tim Paine says Australia are yet to make a decision but "our preference will be to keep the winning combination, with Marnus (Labuschagne) as that second spin option".

"We'll have a look again in the morning," Paine told reporters in his pre-Test press conference.

"It'd be likely we'll go unchanged but it's still as possibility when we see that wicket tomorrow morning that we'd go for another spinner."