If the Blackcaps needed an insight into what they're about to face in Jofra Archer, then Cricket World Cup hero Ben Stokes showed even the best are vulnerable to his sheer pace
Forced out of the nets after copping a nasty blow to his left hand, England's NZ-born all-rounder was left visibly frustrated with his teammate.
"I think they know each other pretty well," says England opening batsman Dom Sibley. "It gets competitive in the nets, but I'm sure it's all in good spirits."
NZ opener Tom Latham expects similar aggression during their test-series opener at Mt Maunganui on Thursday.
"He's certainly going to be challenging," says Latham. "He's a young guy, and he's come onto the international stage and had some success straight away."
The blow to Stokes wasn't the first Archer's inflicted on this tour. Kiwi Hamish Rutherford had to retire from England's warm-up match. after taking a bouncer to the head.
During this year's Ashes series, even Australian master Steve Smith wasn't immune to Archer's aggression, giving the Blackcaps quite the insight as to what to expect.
"Ha ha, yeah... obviously, I didn't expect that," laughs Latham. "That spell he bowled at Lord's looked pretty fiery."
After career-best seasons last summer, both Latham and Henry Nicholls are out to prove they can match it with the best. Series against England, Australia and India will provide the pair with the ultimate test.
"The challenge you have when you play international cricket is there's a lot of good fast bowlers around the world," says Nicholl. "We've faced them in the last few years, so Jofra is obviously one of those and it's an exciting challenge.
"It's one of those challenges, as a batsman, you prepare for and you look forward to."
Despite the obvious threat Archer poses, Blackcaps coach Gary Stead is wary of just focussing on one player.
"For us, it's about getting used to that extra pace and then combatting it," he says. "Jofra Archer will be a threat, but he can only bowl from one end."
Whichever end Archer does bowl from, he's sure to keep the Blackcaps on their toes.
