It is quite a shame that Australia and New Zealand have played each other in only 52 Test matches since the inaugural one-off cricket Test at Wellington in 1945-46.
Despite their healthy rivalry, Test match fixtures between the two nations have been disappointingly infrequent.
That Test in 1945-46 played a part in Australia refusing to face their less-fancied neighbours from across the Tasman Sea.
The game was over within two days, with New Zealand being shot out twice (for 42 and 54) on the second day. It took 28 years for the Australians to change their mind, and back-to-back series were contested in 1973-74.
New Zealand managed to draw the home leg, courtesy of a maiden five-wicket win at Christchurch.
The rivalry was at its fiercest in the 1980s. The start of that decade saw the infamous underarm controversy – in a World Series 50-overs final – which snowballed to such an extent that it threatened diplomatic relations between Australia and New Zealand. It would not be wrong to say that this incident galvanised New Zealand into a combative unit whenever they faced the Aussies.
From then until the end of that decade, New Zealand won five and lost three of the 14 Tests they played against Australia. It was a glorious period for the Kiwis, with the 1985-86 series win in Australia being their sweetest and most vindictive success. Spearheaded by the legendary Richard Hadlee, New Zealand transformed into a top side and fittingly reserved their best for Australia.
Even during Australia’s dominant Steve Waugh era, New Zealand were one of the few sides who stood up to them on their own turf. A 0-0 scoreline in 2001-02 – the same season when South Africa were crushed in Australia – reflects their spirited performance. While New Zealand have never returned to their 1980s heydays, they managed to level the most recent series between the two teams in 2011-12 with a thrilling win at Hobart.
That series consisted of just two Test matches, depriving cricket lovers of a mouth-watering decider. The last time the two teams played each other in a three-Test series was in 2004-05. Their last three-Test series in New Zealand was back in 1985-86.
In the last fifteen years, Australia have played New Zealand just 17 times. The corresponding figure for Australia’s Tests against England and India are 40 and 32 respectively. Since the last Trans-Tasman series and until the next, Australia will have played England 15 times and India 12 times.
So why this apathy towards Trans-Tasman Test matches?
Cricket is missing out on a great rivalry because of the commercial interests of forever-unsatisfied administrators and broadcasters. Australia have become so obsessed with playing England and India that they have failed to realise that the Black Caps provide great opponents and some fantastic cricket.
In 2011-12, it was New Zealand who drew in Australia despite getting just two Tests. In the same season, the overrated India were thrashed 4-0. They say Trans-Tasman Tests do not bring in much revenue. I fail to understand why – the simple answer is effective marketing of the games. Building up the hype as in the Ashes will go a long way in attracting spectators.
Regional sporting rivalries tend to churn out some of the most memorable moments. At the moment, Australia and New Zealand have a great opportunity to lend much needed flavour to Test cricket.
Australia are, at least according to the ICC, the best team in the world. New Zealand are a team on the upswing with three successive series wins under their belt. Now is the time to decide on a proper Trans-Transman Trophy.
Just like the Ashes, one home and one away series in every four-year cycle is a must, with at least three Tests played in each series. Two-Test series are akin to sacrilege, and should be done away with.
As of today, Australia and New Zealand both possess attacking captains, excellent pace bowling resources and a steady line of impressive batting talents. Michael Clarke being pitted against Brendon McCullum. Mitchell Johnson testing Kane Williamson. David Warner being challenged by Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
That is what Test cricket needs – novelty. While bringing in new nations is asking for too much, efforts should at least be made to revive existing rivalries. And Australia versus New Zealand is too precious a fixture to be lost.
I am a big fan of Trans-Tasman Tests, it always makes for great viewing. And I am pretty certain that most fans from both Australia and New Zealand share the same sentiment.
Thankfully, in 2015-16, the two teams are scheduled – at least for now – to meet each other in back-to-back series at home and away. There is also the prospect of Test cricket under lights during New Zealand’s tour of Australia.
In all probability, both teams will carry on with their current form over the next year or so, and thus these series will be much-awaited by the players and viewers alike.
History may suggest that the Trans-Transman rivalry has been fairly one-sided over the years. But not everything should be judged by numbers of the past. Introducing a structured Trans-Transman Trophy would be of great benefit to Test cricket as a whole.
The ball is Cricket Australia’s court.
Rustom Deboo
Roar Guru
Thank you everyone for your valuable comments.
Kevin higginson
Guest
The 1st class game would not bring in the money to have NZ teams in it, T20 domestically only. International matches could be played as same format as women's ashes, 3 x T20, 3 x 50 over, 1x test every season, would not eat into Australian international series much.
Kevin higginson
Guest
Like the idea of adding 2x NZ teams to big bash to create a Trans-Tasman competition. This would follow the routes of most of the major sports in this area of having NZ adding some spice to competitions; think A-League, netball and NRL. Sure there are other examples but from England so not completely certain. This would create more links, then add in 3 match T20 international series like ANZAC test in NRL, followed by 3 match 50 over, and then one test, (I think this is the format for the women's ashes, and give points for winning different formats).
Armchair Expert
Guest
Lance Cairns, Gary Troup.
Riccardo
Guest
Great subject matter and a decent read. NZ Cricket frankly needs this exposure; probably as much as the Wallabies need the Bledisloe. It's fair to say in the professional era NZ teams have not done enough to encourage 3 Test Series, nor convince the Australian public to part with their hard-earned. Between the halcyon days of the Hadlee led '80's team and now there has only really been Fleming's team under Rixon that threatened. However, the author's assertion we punch above our weight, particulalry against big brother, is also true. What's really exciting for me though is that whether Australian cricket decides to wake up or not, the ICC will have no choice but to progress this issue soon enough. The current team under McCullum and Hesson it the best I have seen since Hadlee's time. They aren't there yet but they are on their way. We need to cement some openers (I think withdrawing Rutherford's contract was a mistake). Quality spin remains an issue and the tail needs to invest in net practise (Boult and Southee are actually competent with the blade). Then we need some away wins against nations hihger than the West Indies although that was still an excellent outcome. This young team is well coached, has unearthed some fantastic potential and has some able players pushing for berths. Perhaps best of all they are starting to believe in themselves as a group and have strung some good results together. As they improve they become an attractive proposition for the major nation tours. I think they would provide a stern challenge for Australia right now
Riccardo
Guest
Saaeed Anwar and Mohammed Yousouf are 2 of my favourite batsmen. So under-rated.
Riccardo
Guest
Good point Johnno. A bit like the NZRFU did for Australian rugby; payback maybe.
Riccardo
Guest
Spot on Sheek. Reid for Richardson. I would also have Williamson for Jones. He has a long way to go but has beaten Crowe in number of centuries vs age, has excellent technique, even better temperament and will go on to be one of this country's most prolific batsman. I like Watling's pedigree too. The guy has guts at the crease and is turning into an able gloveman. Ian Smith gave his all for his country too but it's hard to ignore McCullum's ability to turn a match on its head with his batting, nor his input into the senior group, if he wasn't captain (he would be mine). I agree with your sentimental pick for the Aussie team, Thommo. How can you leave out Lillee's opening mate and probably the fastest bowler the world has seen. Mind you, I think Bondy and Paddles in his youth would be a formidable opening pair as well. I would probably exchange Collinge with Allott. His back saw him quit cricket as he was really coming into his own as a exceptional opening left armer. His yorker was searing. Boult would not be far behind him, oddly enough. It's not like NZ has been blessed with left arm quicks. The funny thing about the NZ team would be the personality dynamcis; it woild be hard to marshall them as a team. The personalities of Turner, Cairns, Hadlee, Crowe and McCullum would clash like you wouldn't believe. Some of those guys hate each other :)
Johnno
Guest
Zaheer Abbhas,Javed Miandad,Imran Khan,Saaeed Anwar,Inzy,Mohammed Yousouf,Younis Khan, there's a few.
Kevin dustby
Guest
There you go again, yet another list of players. Johnno, give us a list of best Pakistani batsmen since WWII?
Peeeko
Guest
Wouldn't win a game in the Sheffield shield
Peeeko
Guest
It's easier to come over in the off season. It's hard to tour South Africa as well as we both want to play at home in summer
Pete
Guest
Chris Harris was actually very good at first class level (av of 45) as well as ODIs, but just didnt crack it at test level - similar to Michael Bevan
Johnno
Guest
Geoff Allot, Murphy Su'a,Darryl Tuffey lol. Gavin Larsen,or a bit of Willie Watson lol. Scott Styris in the 3 11 maybe. He racked up an average of 36, 5 centuries, a very good ODI player. Chris Harris for the test team maybe, a shoe in for best ODI team ever from NZ. Chris Harris somehow was able to rack up 23 tests with a batting average of 20, and a bowling average of 73, only in the land of the long lost white cloud can such figures get so many matches. Chris Pringle may push for the 3rd 11 team, he was a handy bowler. Richard Petrie anyone, another bowler of the 80's, and 90's. Blair Pocock.
Dylan Toune
Roar Guru
Underestimate NZ at your own peril I reckon, would back them in to take it right up to Australia.
Dylan Toune
Roar Guru
Good read Deboo. Have been thinking a fair bit recently how poor it is that we don't play NZ more. I don't mind if the series aren't always as 'big' - playing England/India over and over doesn't excite me. There's a chance to renew a rivalry and make it something modern cricket fans really get into. I rate NZ's talent (once they sort out the opener issue) and they're tough. Hopefully the WC leads to the two countries working together again more in future.
sheek
Roar Guru
Johnno, Statistically & because of his partnership with Hayden, Langer is a no-brainer. There's not much between these guys, so stats have to be the guide here. Like I said, the problem with the Kiwis is that so many current players are up for selection. Will their stats stand up in another 3, or 5, years? Don't know. Have to take a punt here or there. Boult will probably deserve a spot in another 3 years time. Actually I forgot batsman John F Reid, not related to legendary all-rounder John R Reid. Reid only played 19 tests, but averaged 46. I would put him in ahead of both Taylor & Fleming. I remember him back in 1985/86, scored a great century against the Aussies.
Pete
Guest
Lee Germon!
Pete
Guest
Dunno about that pace attack. (3rd xi) Dion Nash and asimon Doull were much better bowlers
Gazzatron
Guest
Who says the tests will be one sided?