New Zealand Cricket has confirmed reports that the Black Caps will play four Tests against Australia in the 2026-27 season, including a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
New Zealand haven’t played a four-Test series since 1999, when they beat England 2-1.
The news was confirmed this afternoon by NZC chief executive Scott Weenink, who told 1News: "When Cricket Australia asked us if we’d be willing to do that, we obviously checked with the players and the players’ association and everyone was unanimous in saying let’s take up the opportunity."
The Black Caps last toured Australia in 2019-20, which included their first Test at the MCG since 1987.
Australia won that Test convincingly, but the huge crowds that attended, particularly on the first day, would have been a factor in New Zealand being extended another invitation.
"We’ve traditionally done pretty well over there so I think we’ll put up a decent challenge," Weenink said.
Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney have been tipped as likely venues, with Melbourne set to host two Tests in the same season for the first time in more than 40 years.
The MCC is also expected to host a 150th anniversary Test against England.
Australia beat New Zealand in the 2019-20 series 3-0.
New Zealand last won a Test on Australian soil in 2011 and have lost seven of their last eight Tests there since.
Australia tour New Zealand this summer for three Twenty20s and two Tests in Wellington and Christchurch.
They host Pakistan in this year’s Boxing Day Test, followed by India in 2024 and England in 2025.
The Black Caps are currently touring Bangladesh – the first Test starts tomorrow. Their first fixture of the home summer is a T20 international against Pakistan at Eden Park on January 12.
All of the home internationals will be screened live and free to air on TVNZ.
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