The return of international cricket double-headers illuminates the 2024-25 international summer schedule with the Black Caps and White Ferns hosting six series as double-headers make a return.
The Black Caps will host Pakistan for a five-match T20I series which will be played following White Ferns matches against Sri Lanka and Australia.
New Zealand cricket fans will be treated just one Test series this summer when the Black Caps take on Brendon McCullum’s England starting late November.
Kane Williamson turned down a central contract offer from NZC earlier this year relinquished his Black Caps captaincy in the process.
Black Caps head coach Gary Stead said he would like the next captain to be in the role for the next three years, but didn't hint on who that might be.
"I expect Kane to play a lot of cricket for New Zealand this year, just because he didn't take a central contract, doesn't mean he won't be available for 80-90% of the year," said Stead.
Black Cap wicketkeeper Tom Latham said the absence of Williamson will hurt the side this summer but said it gives senior players such as himself, an opportunity to step up and lead.
"It's never great when you miss guys of Kane’s calibre but it gives other guys opportunities to put their best foot forward."
Latham said he's most looking forward to playing Tests in front of a packed-out Kiwi crowd.
"We saw last year those games against Australia, full crowds, all four days packed out and it’s pretty exciting," said Latham.
"The attraction that England have at the moment, I think the crowds will come and it’ll be a great spectacle for three Test matches."
England last toured New Zealand in 2023, with the two-match Test series ending in a 1-1 draw, after New Zealand won the second Test at the Basin Reserve by one run.
This time, a three Test series means it will be easier to find an eventual series winner between the two nations.
They will then host Sri Lanka and Pakistan for white-ball cricket series from December to March.
The Black Caps home summer will be put on hold in February as they travel to Pakistan for a tri-series against the hosts and South Africa before starting their ICC Champions Trophy campaign.
The White Ferns on the other hand will host cricket powerhouse Australia for an ODI series in December before welcoming them back to NZ shores in March for a T20I series.
Australia are ranked number one in the world in both white ball formats and White Ferns bowler Rosemary Mair said it's always a thrill to take on one of the best teams in the world.
"It's really exciting to have Australia back in New Zealand, we haven't played them in a few years," Mair said. "I think the more we play the best teams in the world, the better we're going to get."
Mair said she thinks the double-headers will be good for the women's game as she expects more people to head along to spend a day watching cricket.
NZ Cricket's summer schedule
(* indicates double header)
Black Caps schedule
Test series v England
- Nov 28-Dec 2, Christchurch
- Dec 6-10, Wellington
- Dec 14-18, Hamilton
T20I series v Sri Lanka
- Dec 28, Tauranga
- Dec 30, Tauranga
- Jan 2, Nelson
ODI series v Sri Lanka
- Jan 5, Wellington
- Jan 8, Hamilton
- Jan 11, Auckland
T20I series v Pakistan
- March 16, Christchurch*
- March 18, Dunedin*
- March 21, Auckland*
- March 23, Tauranga*
- March 26, Wellington*
ODI series v Pakistan
- March 29, Napier
- April 2, Hamilton
- April 5, Tauranga
White Ferns schedule:
ODI series v Australia
- Dec 19, Wellington
- Dec 21, Wellington
- Dec 23, Wellington
ODI series v Sri Lanka
- March 4, Napier
- March 7, Nelson
- March 9, Nelson
T20I series v Sri Lanka
- March 14, Christchurch
- March 16, Christchurch*
- March 18, Christchurch*
T20I series v Australia
- March 21, Auckland*
- March 23, Tauranga*
- March 26, Wellington*
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