Today is expected to be special for Black Caps' spearhead Shane Bond.
The 34-year-old New Zealand paceman is tipped to make his first test appearance for two years in the match against Pakistan, which starts at the University Oval, in Dunedin, at noon.
Bond (34) has made just 17 test appearances - taking 79 wickets at 22.39 - for New Zealand since making his debut in 2001.
Frustratingly, the fast bowler - who has suffered a horrific run of injuries during his career - was forced to sit out the past two years after signing with the rebel Indian Cricket League.
However, an amnesty extended by Indian cricket has paved the way for Bond and other ICL exiles to return to international cricket.
Bond warmed up last week by taking six wickets for Canterbury to help set up a 115-run win against Otago.
Much will rest on his shoulders if he takes the new ball for New Zealand in Dunedin.
Bond and the other speedsters will be hoping to take advantage of today's forecast weather conditions, with showers expected this morning.
But forget last year's washed-out test against the West Indies - groundsman Tom Tamati's greatest fear is the pitch will dry out too quickly this week.
The pitch was hidden from view for most of yesterday, with Mr Tamati covering the surface in scrim to prevent it drying out ahead of the match.
"If it dries out too much it tends to get quite low.
"So I just want to keep it at the right moisture level," he said.
Work has been done to improve drainage at the ground - criticised last year when the surface was left soaked following several downpours - and Mr Tamati believes he has produced a good deck.
"It looks pretty similar to the first four-day pitch but perhaps hasn't got as much grass cover, so it might be a little bit flatter."
Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori agreed, indicating he would prefer to bat if the sun is out today.
