At a glance

Confirmed starters: Team Cricket: Stephen Fleming (player-coach), Brendon McCullum (c), Grant Elliott, Kyle Mills, Luke Ronchi.

Team Rugby: Kieran Read (c), Israel Dagg, Jason Spice, Kaylum Boshier, Graham Henry (coach).

stumps. Lee finished with 1-34 from 10 overs in Australia’s emphatic 122-run win.

During the net session, Dagg tried to bounce hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman Gilchrist, but was put in his place.

‘‘He pumped me for about 180 metres. I remember that. That was quite fun.

‘‘[Gilchrist] smashed me for the biggest six I’ve ever seen. That was the last time I tried to drop it in short. He just hooked me over the nets and made me chase after my ball.’’

As a schoolboy at Lindisfarne College in Hastings, Dagg was torn between rugby and cricket, dreaming of emulating his idol Nathan Astle and playing for the Black Caps.

It was only a contract from Hawke’s Bay and being picked for the Magpies while still at school that swayed Dagg, who got as far as the Central Districts under-17s in cricket, to pursue a career in rugby.

He remains an avid cricket follower and despite not having bowled in a long time, hopes to make an impact in the Black Clash match.

These days, it’s mostly gentle medium-pacers, but he isn’t afraid to try and reproduce the odd quicker one in family backyard cricket matches at Christmas.

Dagg, 30, hasn’t played for the All Blacks since September 9 last year against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

He hadn’t given up on wearing the black jersey again, but acknowledged it would take a stellar season with the Crusaders next year to get back in contention for Rugby World Cup selection. Dagg is contracted with New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2019.

‘‘You never give up until your time is finished in New Zealand. I’ll go back to Christchurch next year and give it one last whirl and if it all works out, it works out. It’s pretty competitive in the [All Blacks] back three, especially in my position [at fullback].’’