Next test 100 days away

Jeet Raval plays a pull shot for the Black Caps against the West Indies in the second test. Photo...
Jeet Raval plays a pull shot for the Black Caps against the West Indies in the second test. Photo: Getty Images
New Zealand test opener Jeet Raval will bring up a century — but it is not the one he wants.

With the two-test series against the West Indies over, the whites are going to be put away and replaced by the coloured clothing — for a long time.

Test cricket used to be seen as the be-all and end-all of the game, a dogged fight between bat and ball.

But in New Zealand the longer version of the game appears to be heading out the back door.

The next test to be played by the Black Caps will not happen until March 22, a gap of 100 days from when yesterday’s test ended.

So Raval will indeed rack up the ton, which has eluded him so far in his burgeoning test career. At least,  his New Zealand playing gear will, as it sits off the field for 100 days.

In between the test yesterday and the opening day of the test between the Black Caps and England at Eden Park, to be played under lights, there is a diet of 22 games in New Zealand involving the Black Caps.

The West Indies will play three one-day-internationals and then three twenty20 games. Pakistan will then arrive to play five ODIs, starting on January 6. That will be followed by three twenty20 games.

A tri-series of twenty20 games involving New Zealand, Australia and England will be played in February.

England then stays on to play five ODIs before the first test.The final test will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch and will finish in early April.

Add a Comment

OUTSTREAM