CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 20: Kane Williamson, Tim Southee and Trent Boult of New Zealand (L-R) line up for their national anthem during day one of the Second Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Hagley Oval on January 20, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
The reason for the eight-year absence from New Zealand remains unknown as the Kiwis have featured in multiple T20 series and a Test series back in 2019-20 in Australia but not on home soil.
New Zealand has also added multiple back-to-back matches in their upcoming summer in the hopes of boosting crowds and helping maintain a smaller environmental footprint rather than moving from place to place on a regular basis. New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White explained the idea to ESPN Cricinfo.
"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," White 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."
Australia isn't the only team that New Zealand will take on in the summer with three ODIs and three T20s against Bangladesh in December, Five T20s against Pakistan in January, two Tests against South Africa in early February before adding another chapter to the famous Australia-New Zealand rivalry with three T20s and two Test matches. The full schedule of the Australiaian series is as follows:
The T20s will capture the interest of many cricket fans as Australia fell to New Zealand in the most recent T20 World Cup tournament in 2022 eliminating them from any chance of going back-to-back as world T20 champions.
The previous Test series in Australia in the summer of 2019-20 also intrigued both nations despite the 3-0 series win for Australia. The fierce battle between Matthew Wade and Neil Wagner had everyone on edge especially after Wagner then found a potential weakness with Steven Smith's batting with a barrage for well-directed short balls.
The New Zealand women's side is also set to feature big games against Pakistan and England, creating a really exciting summer ahead for the fans of cricket in New Zealand. New Zealand's women's A team will also feature in games against England's women's A team throughout the summer.
