The importance of New Zealand’s first Boxing Day Test at the MCG since 1987 is not lost on fast bowler Tim Southee.
Generations of New Zealand greats never got the chance to play Test cricket at the MCG.
The Kiwis’ last appearance on Boxing Day in Melbourne was so long ago, only four of the current XI (Neil Wagner, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme) were born.
Given that it was 1987 when Australian tailenders Mike Whitney and Craig McDermott famously hung on for a draw against a Richard Hadlee-inspired attack, New Zealand are relishing the build-up.
Fast bowler Tim Southee says the importance of the occasion is not lost on anyone involved in the squad.
(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
A crowd of up to 75,000 is expected for day one of the Test.
“A lot of great cricketers from New Zealand haven’t had the chance to do it so it’s something special,” Southee told reporters on Tuesday.
“I’m sure everyone grew up watching the Boxing Day Test.
“We’ve played a couple of Boxing Day Tests in Christchurch over the last few years, but this is the Boxing Day Test.
“The crowds and the history behind it and New Zealand not having had one for 30-odd years, it’s something a little bit different.
“It’s great to be a part of it and great to be here.”
After New Zealand’s disappointing 296-run loss to Australia in Perth, the Kiwis have lost patience with struggling opener Jeet Raval.
He’s been replaced at the top of the order by reserve wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who played the last of his two Tests in December 2017 and batted at number eight.
“He’s been around the side for a while and he seems to have taken every chance he’s had,” Southee said.
“It’s not easy when you’re sitting on the sidelines. He played well the other day.
“He’s just been waiting for his chance and what better way to do it than the MCG on Boxing Day.”
anon
Roar Pro
You must be another Kiwi. No-one got upset when I said we'd smash Pakistan.
@anon oooh oooh oooh we smash da kiwis oooh oooh oooh yeah oooh oooh oooh
anon
Roar Pro
We'll smash the Kiwis.
Kaushik
Roar Rookie
Don't think Blundell opening is going to make any difference, given how inexperienced he is in that position, and opening against Starc, Cummins & Pattinson IN Australia is just about one of the toughest initiations you can get next to opening in England against Anderson & Broad. The pace and skill of the pacers are going to take the pitch out of the equation for atleast the first session of the game and so I dont see Blundell being any different from Raval. Wonder whether NZ are bereft of good openers now and whether thats the reason theyre forcing Blundell in that unfamiliar position
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
There could be plenty of hundreds from both teams if they go too far with toning the MCG down.
Micko
Roar Rookie
The problem is you've kept Santner in your team though.
Gomez
Guest
Wags is such a tough nut, the beating heart of this side - I’ve no doubt that with him to the mix the bowling will be up to the fight and the overall attitude will be on point. We just desperately need someone to stand up with the bat and lead the way with a big hundred, with good contributions from the supporting cast. We need a hero. Maybe it will be Nicholls this time. Someone has to do it or we are stuffed.