The first cricket Test between the Blackcaps and Pakistan will start as planned in Christchurch on Thursday with Hagley Oval given the all clear following the devastating earthquakes north of the city.
The Blackcaps are coming off a forgettable trip to India but some fresh faces are providing just the boost the team needed.
Dealing with the aftermath of a massive earthquake isn't exactly ideal preparation for a Blackcaps side under pressure to perform.
Hammered 3-0 in the Tests by top ranked India, the challenge now just as significant in world number two Pakistan.
"At the time we needed to dwell on the areas we hadn't performed well in and we've done well in and then we need to move on, and that's the nature of international cricket," said coach Mike Hesson.
Some indifferent performances on the subcontinent opened the door for some uncapped players to join the Blackcaps squad, and Hesson's set to unleash them against Pakistan.
"Regardless of who we're playing I think they're excited by the opportunity and it's exciting for the group to have some fresh faces, some that are in form and some that are going to make their debut."
One possible debutant is Auckland allrounder Colin De Grandhomme.
His form for Auckland demanded a call up, not that the idea of international Test cricket's phasing him.
"They're just another team and it's just a red ball being bowled and I see it, so it's just the same whoever it is," admits De Grandhomme.
Pakistan's build up to the Test has also been far from ideal, with rain preventing any play in their only warm up match.
But they're wary of a Blackcaps Test team desperate to bounce back from India.
"They have a good bunch of players and they are very close to each other, so they are a good team and we have a lot of regard for them," notes veteran Younis Khan.
Whether the tourists will hold a rather green looking Hagley Oval wicket in as high a regard remains to be seen.
Newshub.
