What are the Black Caps hoping to get out of the opening test against England at Lord’s tonight?
Ordinarily, you would get some sideways glances asking that question.
But this is not an ordinary test. The two-game series comes just before the World Test Championship final against India and that takes a lot of heat out of the series.
Whether the Black Caps acknowledge or not, there has to be an element of building towards what is a much bigger occasion.
And that would seemingly invite some experimentation.
Does all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme start ahead of Daryl Mitchell, for example? De Grandhomme’s bowling could be very handy in English conditions, whereas Mitchell adds more value with the bat.
The team will be without leading left armer Trent Boult. He returned to New Zealand to spend some time with his family and will leave for the United Kingdom tomorrow.
Who takes his spot? Spinner Mitchell Santner? Or is it another opportunity for Matt Henry, or perhaps Doug Bracewell could be handed a test lifeline or Otago’s Jacob Duffy a test debut.
Or does de Grandhomme take the place and play alongside Mitchell?
Devon Conway surely has to play and the only spot open is at the top of the order, alongside Tom Latham.
There is lots to experiment with but equally the Black Caps have not played any test cricket since early January.
They have also built on their success by sticking with the same personnel.
That experience will be a key factor in selection decisions, given the limited build-up.
Leading batsman Ross Taylor’s first tour of England in 2008 included a busy schedule of warm-up games but "times have changed", he said.
A combination of Covid-19, IPL commitments and some poor weather has mean a limited build-up.
"You don’t get much preparation and lead-in with so much cricket ... so experience has to come into it," Taylor said.
"I suppose there will be a little bit of a [feeling out] period without having a proper [warm-up] game.
"But that is no excuse. Whatever we do first on Wednesday we are going to have to do well.
"We know what to expect. Any time you play England at home, it is always going to be a tough battle."
Taylor is looking forward to renewing his battle with the likes of veteran pacemen Stuart Broad and James Anderson, while rookie Ollie Robinson reckons he has some good bowling plans lined up for the captain Kane Williamson.
The 27-year-old right-armer has an impressive first-class record but Taylor is confident his skipper will rise to the challenge, should Robinson play and activate plans A, B and C.
"Obviously he is a very good bowler and has a very good record. But Kane is an experienced campaigner and a lot of teams have tried to work him out."
