Kiwis relishing chance to perform in Boxing Day Test
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 (32 years), 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. 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.
“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 No.8.
“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.”
Australia comfortably won the first Test, but all of the hosts’ top six batsmen fell to short balls in the second innings. Despite being peppered with bouncers in Perth, Matthew Wade insisted the series had so far been played in good spirits.
“There’s no hard feelings between the teams,” he said.
“We’re both out there trying to do our best for our countries and trying to win a game of Test cricket.
“When you get picked to play Test cricket you expect it’s going to be hard and that’s exactly what it is against New Zealand.”