Test rankings; the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy; the Rose Bowl – it’s time to renew the trans-Tasman rivalry.
The BLACKCAPS or WHITE FERNS – when it comes to international cricket there’s nothing bigger than a trans-Tasman rivalry, and for the next four weeks the calendar will be bursting with New Zealand v Australia fixtures in all three formats.
First up will be the three Chappell-Hadlee Trophy matches in the ANZ ODI Series, starting with today’s contest at Eden Park – the first at the venue since “that” win against the neighbours during last summer’s Cricket World Cup.
The ANZ ODI Series then moves to Wellington for the second Chappell-Hadlee showdown at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, 6 February, before culminating in the final match at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on Monday, 8 February.
The BLACKCAPS head into the series as the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy holders, having beaten Australia by one wicket during the Cricket World Cup pool match last summer. Australia turned the tables in the final at Melbourne but, because World Cup play-off games are not deemed Chappell-Hadlee fixtures, the trophy still holds pride of place in NZC’s trophy cabinet.
Once the fate of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy has been decided, attention will turn to the ANZ Test Series between the BLACKCAPS and Australia, with the first Test at the Basin Reserve starting on 12 February, and the second at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on 20 February.
The Tests have special significance for the BLACKCAPS and all cricket supporters: the first (fitness permitting) will be Brendon McCullum’s 100th consecutive Test since debut – a world record; and the second (at his home ground in Christchurch) will mark the end of his International career.
The WHITE FERNS will begin their bid to regain the Rose Bowl – the symbol of trans-Tasman women's cricket, at Mt Maunganui’s Bay Oval on 20 February, with the second and third ODIs of the series to be played at the same venue on 22 and 24 February, respectively.
The Rose Bowl, first contested in 1985 in Australia, where the hosts won 2-1, was last played for in December, 2012 – when Australia won 3-1.
The WHITE FERNS and the Southern Stars will then move to the Basin Reserve for the first two T20s of the three-match series (on February 28 and 1 March) – before heading to New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park for the tour swan-song.
