On Friday, the Basin Reserve will host the first day of one of the most keenly awaited cricketing contests in recent memory, as the BLACKCAPS square off with neighbours Australia in the opening ANZ Test of the summer.
An old rivalry, recent controversy and Brendon McCullum’s 100th Test have ensured the first few days will have a wonderful atmosphere.
Pace bowling spearhead Tim Southee returns to lead the bowling attack and couldn’t think of a better occasion to make a comeback.
“Anytime you play Australia, the bar is raised a little bit higher, and we haven’t played them in a Test in New Zealand for a while so it’s a great challenge and you can sense the excitement around the camp,” he said.
The BLACKCAPS' 55-run victory in the third ANZ ODI on Monday night sealed the Chappell-Hadlee series for the hosts and also added another dash of spice to the upcoming Test series.
Coach Mike Hesson said his side would take confidence from that crunch victory at Seddon Park, "knowing that if we're able to put Australia under pressure from a batting point of view, then that can create opportunities for us.”
Australia took the honours the last time the two sides meet over five days, claiming a hard fought 2-0 series win in their own conditions at the start of the summer.
The BLACKCAPS, however, have gone 13 consecutive Tests at home without suffering defeat.
"It’s probably been a while since a side’s come to New Zealand without any experience of playing Test cricket here so it’s something foreign for them and there’s a slight edge there if we can make the most of it,” Southee said.
Wellington is also likely to see Canterbury left-hander Henry Nicholls make his Test debut batting at number four.
The 24-year-old has had a golden summer to date, making a successful start to his ODI career while also being named in the BLACKCAPS squad for the Word Twenty20 in India next month.
Will we see Henry Nicholls' Test debut tomorrow? Photosport
Although the captain won’t want to make the match about himself, McCullum’s 100th and penultimate Test — all of them played consecutively — will be a landmark moment in the game of cricket.
“It’s an incredible achievement and he’s been such a major part of rebuilding this side to what it is today. We’ll certainly be trying to send him off on the right note this series,” Southee said.
Whether a die-hard cricket fan or a casual observer — Friday at the Basin will be one not to miss.
Match Day Information:
Gates open at 9.00am, 90 minutes prior to the first ball.
