Trans-Tasman Cricket: Wellington Test Match Wagner’s Last Stand

The imposing form of superstar batter Kane Williamson raised optimism that the drought of victories can be reversed.

Neil Wagner of the New Zealand Black Caps signals during day three of the Men's Second Test in the series between New Zealand and South Africa at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand, on Feb. 15, 2024. Hannah Peters/Getty Images

The odds are heavily stacked against New Zealand’s Black Caps cricket team when they host World Test champion, Australia, in a two-test, trans-Tasman series starting on Feb. 29 in Wellington.

Despite being geographically local, the ANZAC combatants barely play each other in Test Cricket with the last meeting in New Zealand dating back to 2016. Big Brother holds the statistical upper hand, with New Zealand having won only one home test over their brash rivals since 1993, coupled with a solitary away win in Hobart in 2011.