History will be written tomorrow night at the MCG, a ground that's held some of the best trans-Tasman battles, including the drawn Test of 1987.
But last night saw a touching moment of generosity from former cricketer Mike Whitney to one of New Zealand's greats, Sir Richard Hadlee, who had an old score to settle.
It was the final over of the final day of the Boxing Day Test.
Australian number 11 Mike Whitney, self-described as one of the worst batsmen to play the game, has to face Richard Hadlee.
Hadlee is in trademark form; he's already taken 10 wickets in the match.
Whitney somehow survives and goes down in Australian history as the man who saved the Test and won them the series.
Last night, 27 years later, the two met again. But there was a twist.
"Tonight I have the ball – this wonderful piece of trans-Tasman history," he said.
Whitney was given the match ball, which has been a sticking point with Hadlee ever since.
Of the 38 five-wicket bags he took in his career, this is the only ball he doesn't have – until now.
"I'm knocked off my feet, not quite speechless, but I'm glad to have this in my little hand after all these years," Hadlee said.
The memory of that day still burns bright.
"It was the defining moment in my career and people still ask me about it," Whitney recalled.
History was written. It's just got a better ending now.
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