It is eyes on the job for Blackcaps skipper Kane Williamson when he lines up for Northern Districts in the opening round of the Plunket Shield on Wednesday.
Williamson heads a start-studded ND lineup for the clash with Otago, featuring New Zealand teammates Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, BJ Watling and new recruits Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme.
With an away tour against Pakistan in Dubai less than a month away, a plethora of Blackcaps have been scattered around New Zealand's domestic sides for this week's fixtures.
But for Williamson the focus is on performing at a high level for the province - not preparing for Pakistan.
"At the end of the day, these conditions will be very different than what we face in Dubai - when that time comes the focus will change, but it's important we address our roles in this game as well as we can and help contribute to the side," Williamson said
"You have to respect the opposition and the guys you are playing with because they are all part of a team and that's what we are all tomorrow – we are ND and we are playing Otago."
Williamson noted how imperative it is for the international players to not upset the team chemistry.
The match against Otago is likely to be the only time a majority of the Blackcaps players turn out for the Knights in the four day competition this season.
Williamson said they should all be looking to contribute to a Northern Districts victory, rather than any individual targets, given the opportunity to play for the province is rare.
"It can be a little disruptive at times when guys are coming and going so it's really important that each and every one of us that are heading away with the Blackcaps come in and try and do their role as best they can," Williamson said.
"It's great to be back in ND colours with the other guys I have spent a lot of time with over the years and with the busy international schedule as it is, the opportunity to play for ND is limited, so it's great to start the season with the boys.
"There are a few new faces around and a few ND debutants that are also a part of the Blackcaps squad - but it's important we go out there tomorrow and get the job done."
But Williamson's focus will shift to Pakistan quickly with the tour less than a month away.
It will mark the dawn of a new era in New Zealand cricket with Gary Stead replacing Mike Hesson as national coach.
Williamson admitted there will be a period of adjustment under the new regime, but he is excited about what lies ahead for the Blackcaps.
"Naturally when there are new players, coaches or support staff there is a slight transition. There are parts that have to adjust but that's normal - It's exciting," said Williamson.
"It's going to be a journey. There will be parts that we disagree on and then ultimately move on together with the decisions that you make.
"Gary has been really good – he has been very level with his approach.
The team has been tracking nicely for a long time so we thought it was important not to rock the boat.
"Gary has been involved with the team in the past at certain stages so he has had that introduction to most of the guys."
Fellow Blackcap Tim Southee will miss the match with Otago, but Ross Taylor, Jeet Raval, Matt Henry, Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls will all hit the park on Wednesday.
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