Black Caps to host Test series against Australia, Proteas

The Black Caps will host two tests against Australia.
Photo: Photosport

Historically demanding late summer Test series against South Africa and Australia are the high points of New Zealand’s home cricket schedule announced on Tuesday.

The Black Caps will face the Proteas in two tests in February, followed two more against the world champion Australians, who haven’t played a test series in New Zealand since early 2016.

The White Ferns home schedule was also confirmed, comprising T20 and ODI series against Pakistan in December before before white ball series and England, with the latter bringing the curtain down on New Zealand’s home summer in early April.

Two white ball series against Bangladesh will kick-start the men’s home diet from mid December – a month after contesting the Cricket World Cup in India – before hosting five ODIs in January against Pakistan.

The Black Caps, who have never won a Test series against South Africa, will square off against the Proteas at Tauranga’s Bay Oval and Hamilton’s Seddon Park.

Australia then begin their visit with three T20s before Tests at Welllington’s Basin Reserve from February 29 and Christchurch’s Hagley Oval from March 8.

New Zealand then host Australia, who were crowned world Test champions this year with victory over India in the final.

Their last trip across the Tasman for tests resulted in a 2-0 sweep of a Black Caps team who at the time were otherwise dominant against most visiting sides.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said the men’s and women’s sides are deliberately scheduled to play consecutive matches at the same venue on 10 occasions.

White said the “double headers” were introduced to enhance the efficiency of the playing programme and make a commitment to climate change.

“In terms of venues with lights, we’ve been able to schedule several back-to-back night matches and day matches to ensure good opportunities for both families and adult patrons, respectively, which we think is good for the game,” he said.

“It’s a strategy that also complements our need to prioritise energy efficiency – and to just do the right thing as a sports organisation, given the challenges we’re facing from climate change these days.”

Black Caps schedule

ODI series v Bangladesh

Dec 17, Dunedin, 11am

Dec 20, Nelson, 11am

Dec 23, Napier, 11am

T20 series v Bangladesh

Dec 27, Napier, 7.10pm

Dec 29, Tauranga, 7.10pm

Dec 31, Tauranga, 1pm

T20 series v Pakistan

Jan 12, Auckland, 7.10pm

Jan 14, Hamilton, 7.10pm

Jan 17, Dunedin, 1pm

Jan 19, Christchurch, 7.10pm

Jan 21, Christchurch, 1pm

Test series v South Africa

Feb 4-8, Tauranga

Feb 13-17, Hamilton

T20 series v Australia

Feb 21, Wellington, 7.10pm

Feb 23, Auckland, 7.10pm

Feb 25, Auckalnd, 1pm

Test series v Australia

Feb 29-March 4, Wellington

March 8-12, Christchurch

White Ferns schedule

T20 series v Pakistan

Dec 3, Dunedin, 1pm

Dec 5, Dunedin, 1pm

Dec 9, Queenstown, 1pm

ODI series v Pakistan

Dec 12, Queenstown, 11am

Dec 15, Christchurch, 2pm

Dec 18, Christchurch, 2pm

T20 series v England

March 19, Dunedin, 1pm

March 22, Nelson, 1pm

March 24, Nelson, 1pm

March 27, Wellington, 1pm

March 29, Wellington, 1pm

ODI series v England

April 1, Wellington, 11am

April 4, Hamilton, 11am

April 7, Hamilton, 11am

– RNZ