New Zealand are set to honour two of its cricket stalwarts, Kane Williamson and captain Tim Southee, as they reach the milestone of playing their 100th test in Christchurch.
However, Australia is in a strong position to spoil the celebration by aiming for a series sweep.
The Black Caps, still haunted by memories of Australia spoiling Brendon McCullum's farewell test at Hagley Oval eight years ago, are eager to give Williamson and Southee a victory to level the two-match series.
Australia, on the other hand, is celebrating a significant milestone with their formidable bowling quartet—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon—combining for an unprecedented seventh consecutive test. Captain Cummins acknowledged the rarity of such an injury-free run, expressing satisfaction with their physical condition and performance.
New Zealand, in contrast, faces challenges in maintaining consistency due to injuries.
After losing Kyle Jamieson to a back fracture before the series and Will O'Rourke's hamstring injury in Wellington, the hosts are forced to introduce uncapped quick Ben Sears in Christchurch.
The selectors are grappling with the choice between a fourth-round pick, Scott Kuggeleijn, or the potential return of spin-bowling all-rounder Mitch Santner.
Captain Southee, experiencing a slump in bowling form with only four wickets in his last three tests, acknowledges the need to perform better and hopes for a turnaround in the upcoming match.
Williamson, run out for a duck in Wellington and facing a cheap dismissal by Lyon, is determined to bounce back and help New Zealand end a 31-year winless streak against Australia on home soil.
Despite a 172-run loss in Wellington, New Zealand remains hopeful, believing they had opportunities to control the match. With favorable weather forecasted at a ground known for producing results, the upcoming match in Christchurch is poised to be a thrilling contest.
Both teams are expected to go all out for victory, which would not only bolster their positions in the World Test Championship standings but also carry immense psychological significance for New Zealand, aiming to break the Australian dominance.
