Recap: Black Caps vs Australia – first test, Wellington

Thursday, 29 February 2024

Black Caps fast bowler tears up as he confirms he has played his last test, and thanks those who got him there.

First test, New Zealand vs Australia. Where: Basin Reserve, Wellington. When: From 11am, Thursday-Monday daily. Coverage: Live on TVNZ Duke, TVNZ+, live updates on Stuff.

After a fizzer of a test series against a second-string South Africa, the real deal comes to the capital when the Black Caps host Australia.

Kane Williamson’s imperious form was more than enough to see off the Proteas as expected, albeit for a few nervous sessions in Hamilton, but the hosts will need a lot more to tip up the current world test champions in the two-match series.

New Zealand’s build-up took an unexpected turn on Tuesday when Neil Wagner made a shock retirement from the international game, after being informed he wasn’t a 1st XI selection, and then their task got tougher on Wednesday when opener Devon Conway was ruled out with a thumb injury.

While Australia will be without veteran opener David Warner, who retired from test earlier this summer, they’re still stacked with proven match-winners with both bat and ball.

Can the Black Caps do it? Share your views below in the comments.

Squads

New Zealand: Tim Southee (captain), Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Bundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Matt Henry, Neil Wagner, Will O’Rourke.

Kane Williamson made three centuries for New Zealand in their 2-0 test series win over South Africa.

Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood.

History

As of day one in Wellington on Thursday, it will have been 30 years, 11 months and 13 days since New Zealand last beat Australia in a home test, and 12 years, two months and 17 days since they last beat them in a test, full stop.

New Zealand’s last series win came in 1986, with a 1-0 triumph in a three-match battle at home, which gave them back-to-back series victories over their arch-rivals after the memorable 2-1 triumph in Australia in late 1985.

Weather

Initial signs look promising. The first two days should feature fine sunny weather, and while there are some showers forecast for the weekend, they’re not expected to hang around.

TAB odds

Unsurprisingly given the recent history between the two sides, New Zealand are listed as $3.85 underdogs to win the first test, with Australia a solid $1.59 favourite. If you think the capital’s weather will pack up, the draw is offering $4.85.