Black Caps will play glamour Boxing Day test - report

New Zealand will return to the glamour Boxing Day cricket test in Melbourne for the first time in 32 years, it has been reported.

After decades of being mysteriously shut out of the game, the Black Caps have been locked in for the 2019 fixture according to Stuff. The official announcement is expected within weeks.

England, India, West Indies, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played Australia in the Boxing Day fixture since New Zealand's last appearance in 1987, an agonising draw when the great Richard Hadlee was in his prime.

New Zealand's reappearance at the MCG will be part of the new test championship which culminates with a final in mid-2021. They will be looking to turn around a poor test record against Australia at odds with their advancements in other areas.

There have been predictions the Black Caps would play the Melbourne test next year and New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said: " I don't think New Zealand fans will be disappointed (with the schedule)."

New Zealand could also play heavyweights India and England in the 2019/20 summer.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.