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
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