The way Kane Williamson was talking, you would think his side had just arrived on the moon and not the capital for today’s test against Sri Lanka.
But when you have spent six weeks in the United Arab Emirates scratching around on desert-like surfaces, the wicket at the Basin Reserve must resemble something quite alien.
It has grass on it for a start. There will be bounce, pace and carry.
The spinners might see very little action in the first couple of days.
Normally Williamson would feel right at home. He is averaging 63.07 at the venue and more than 90 against Sri Lanka.
But it is a quick turnaround for the Black Caps. Just over a week ago they battled their way to a historic away test series win against Pakistan — their first since 1969.
And now they find themselves in the unusual position of having to adjust to their home conditions quickly.
Arguably Sri Lanka is better prepared. It had a three-day game against a New Zealand A side in Napier less than a week ago and most of the batsmen got some valuable time in the middle.
So perhaps the captain is right to be concerned.
"It is a very, very quick turnaround and it is important we adjust back to the conditions at home," he said.
"I suppose they are polar opposites in terms of the UAE and then coming here to the Basin."
The Black Caps have made one predictable change. Neil Wagner has replaced Will Somerville in the starting XI.
The left armer will join Trent Boult and Tim Southee in a formidable pace trio.
Wagner bowled 13 overs on the trot to help the Black Caps claim a dramatic four-run win in the opening test in the UAE.
It is the kind of tenacity Williamson is hoping to carry into the series against Sri Lanka.
"One of the highlights there was the constant fight that the team showed throughout, where the game ebbed and flowed a lot.
"To come through in the end and have a series victory over there was a really positive thing."
While the conditions are vastly different, Williamson said some things would stay the same.
"The discipline and trying to execute your plans for a long period of time remain the same.
"Whatever happens after that is what it is. But we know we are going to be up against some tough competition in Sri Lanka, who want to be putting out good performances as well."
Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal said his side had learned a lot from past games in New Zealand but the conditions would present a challenge all the same.
It loss its recent home test series with England 3-0, so the team is under pressure but "everyone is in good shape and looking forward to the series".
"Our preparation has been really good. Straight after the England series we had three or four practice sessions [on green wickets] because we knew when we came to New Zealand we’d get grassy pitches."
