The Blackcaps have put cricket to one side to give one young player the experience of a lifetime.
Sam Danes was diagnosed with bone cancer in May but today he got to live out his cricketing dream with his favourite team.
The Northern Districts emerging cricket player was heading for higher honours, but then came the cancer diagnosis.
"It's obviously a shock to start with and you don't really believe it, but it sinks in pretty quick," said Danes.
The promising spin bowler has been having chemotherapy for the last few months but today treatment was put to one side as he became part of the Blackcaps squad.
He's been with the team all week- staying at their hotel, eating with the team and hanging out with them at training.
Of course tickets to tomorrow's second Test were also included.
"It's been good, they're all really welcoming and take time to have a chat to me so it's really good."
After following Sam's journey, motivation is not hard to come by for the players.
"There's more to life than a game of cricket, and sometimes you can get caught up in what you're doing and it's just nice to have your mind refreshed."
Sam's cancer is rare - only one in every ten thousand people get it - but when it does occur it's often in young male athletes.
The way he's handled such a sudden change to his life makes his parents even prouder.
"He took the information, he took the diagnosis and he's just run with it," said his Mum, Sonya.
"He doesn't complain, he doesn't moan about it he just really gets on and takes every treatment that comes his way."
Before his diagnosis Sam had big plans.
But those dreams have been put to one side as he tries to deal with the uncertainty of his future.
"I was supposed to go to Scotland next and play cricket as a bit of a gap year, but that obviously won't be happening now so we'll just see once we're done with this what opportunities open up," he said.
But for now it's back to reality - Middlemore Hospital for more chemotherapy and surgery.
In his mind, a million miles away from a cricket pitch- where he truly wants to be.
Newshub.
To donate towards Sam's cause please visit his 'Give a little' page here
