New Blackcaps bowler Lockie Ferguson can't wait to tear into Australia's batsmen when the Chappell-Hadlee gets underway at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Ferguson was a surprise inclusion into the Blackcaps squad for the series, but it was his impressive pace with the ball which impressed selectors, bowling consistently at around 140 km/h. Many compared the 25-year-old to former Blackcap Shane Bond.
"As a young fella, I grew up watching Shane and he's an impressive character," said Ferguson.
"I moulded myself around his game. He bowls fast and a lot of in-swing."
A player who is being compared to one of New Zealand's best, it is fitting that Ferguson will be making his international debut against Australia, exactly like Shane Bond did back in 2002.
Bond went for 3/53 on his debut in front of a noisy 47,157 fans and Ferguson can't wait to play in front of the Australian fans that are very well known for being extremely vocal.
Ferguson is expecting the fans to be even more vocal, coming off a Test series defeat to South Africa last month.
"Aussie is known for the big crowds with plenty of vocal fans," said Ferguson.
"This will be a new experience but I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing Australia in their backyard.
"Australia are World Champions and it will be a challenging way to start my career.
"It's been a dream for me since I've was a kid. I'm looking forward to the challenge and hopefully I go well."
New Zealand have won the last two Chappell-Hadlee series and if the Blackcaps are wanting to make it three straight, Ferguson believes it take a team effort to get the Blackcaps over the line.
"We all have to step up on the field," said Ferguson.
"No one player will win the game on their own back and that is something the team has spoken about a lot."
Following the series in Australia, the Blackcaps will return to New Zealand for a series against Bangladesh, followed up with another ODI series against Australia. South Africa will then come to New Zealand for a ODI and Test Series in February and March.
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