New Zealand looks to Boult in rare Boxing Day Test

The veteran, suffering a side strain, was badly missed during the opening Test in Perth, when the visitor was thrashed by 296 runs in stifling conditions.

But he has been toiling in the nets and expects to be ready for a rare appearance by his country on one of the best-known dates of the cricket calendar.

“I want to really embrace it and appreciate that stage for what it is,” the left-armer told reporters of the special atmosphere that comes with a Boxing Day Test in the 100,000-capacity arena.

“This is the stage that a lot of people dream of being on so to get this opportunity in my career, it’s definitely something that I’m looking forward to. If I can tick all the right boxes with my body and get myself fit, then I can’t wait to get out there,” he added.

A big crowd is expected with New Zealand fans snapping up thousands of tickets to witness the December 26 appearance by their team at one of cricket’s most famous grounds.

Extra flights were reportedly scheduled between Auckland and Melbourne to cater to demand. The last time New Zealand faced Australia in a Boxing Day Test was 1987, before many of the current squad were born, with the home side holding on for a draw despite blistering bowling from legendary quick Richard Hadlee. What sort of wicket it finds on Thursday is the great unknown.

Only a fortnight ago, play was abandoned during a domestic Sheffield Shield game at the ground due to a dangerous pitch, with erratic bounce seeing balls rise sharply and unexpectedly to pummel the batsmen.

Ground curator Matt Page has since been working to prepare a new pitch. Australia goes into the second of three Tests without bowling kingpin Josh Hazlewood who was injured in Perth. James Pattinson is set to replace him as the third quick alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who has been lethal this summer.

“James Pattinson, we know what he brings to the team -- he brings so much energy, bowls good pace, he’s played a lot at the MCG,” coach Justin Langer said. New Zealand will need everything in its arsenal to stymie Australia which has won all three Tests at home this summer after retaining the Ashes in England.