(Reuters) – In the new normal for professional cricketers, Australia emerged from a coronavirus quarantine last night less than 24 hours before their five-game Twenty20 series against New Zealand began in Christchurch.
Today’s series opener will be the first international game to be played under lights at Hagley Oval but the action will only take place after the sell-out crowd marks the 10th anniversary of the devastating earthquake that killed 185 people in the city start.
After a moment of silence to remember that dark day in the past, the focus will shift firmly into the future – especially World Twenty20 in October and November.
This is the only world title that Australia has never won and the tourists, including three uncapped players, have the opportunity to prove they deserve a place in the squad to try to rectify that in India later this year .
David Warner, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are absent after being selected for the trial tour later aborted in South Africa.
That gives lesser-known players the chance to demonstrate the key attribute of versatility, even if sprint Aaron Finch said a series victory was the top priority.
“The first goal is to win the series,” he told reporters yesterday.
“But there is also a bit of information sticking out throughout the series with men in maybe different roles.”
New Zealanders, who will be playing in a retro beige kit, have assembled their strongest squad to challenge second-placed Australians, including fast bowling sensation Kyle Jamieson and batting chief Kane Williamson.
The Black Caps have never made it past the World T20 semi-final and coach Gary Stead believes Australia will be “dangerous”, with many players of the recently completed Big Bash tournament form, a good test for them. “You could argue that this is the Big Bash form team that is over here at the moment.” Stead says.
“Yes, they may not have some of those names we expect to see, but when you look through their lineup they are still class all the way through.”
There is still the possibility that a small outbreak of COVID-19 in Auckland last week could cause disruption to the series when it moves to New Zealand’s largest city for game four on March 5.
While the current lockout conditions would mean no crowd at Eden Park, the Australian players coming out of quarantine are probably happy for another opportunity to play.
“The boys are chomping at the bit to get out and start the series,” Finch said.