'It's a disgrace': Cricket greats fume at New Zealand's 32-year absence from MCG Boxing Day Test
In just under a week New Zealand will take to the MCG for the Boxing Day Test, but the fact that it has been 32 years since its last appearance has left former greats fuming.
Former New Zealand wicket-keeper Ian Smith and Australian quick Mike Whitney were both a part of the last Trans-Tasman Boxing Day Test back in 1987 which ended in a thrilling draw, and both men agree that it has been too long between drinks.
Speaking to Fox Sports, Smith said it was "sad" that New Zealand hadn't been invited to play a Boxing Day Test since his own playing days.
"It's wrong," he said.
"We've been a side worthy of playing Boxing Day Tests during that period quite often. We've had some very good cricket teams that would have tested Australia and so I think it's been quite odd.
New Zealand should have the services of a fully-fit Trent Boult (R) for the Boxing Day Test Getty
"We've toured here but we seem to play the curtain raiser not the main event. I think the All Blacks have probably played at the MCG more often than the New Zealand cricket side in the last 30 years and I think they're playing there next year. That's the irony of it, that the rugby side have played here more than the cricket side."
Smith lamented the fact that an entire of great New Zealand players had come and gone without having the opportunity to showcase themselves on one of Test cricket's most grand stages.
"There's a lot of players, great players, who have played cricket for New Zealand, who missed out and it's something special to walk out in front of a packed house," he said.
"It's one of the most memorable days every year in Test cricket history and to not have that opportunity is quite sad really.
Black Caps greats such as Dan Vettori and Stephen Fleming played their entire careers without a Boxing Day appearance in Australia Getty
"For us it was significant, we thought we were desperately unlucky not to win it, but we didn't realise it would be that long until we have another chance.
"That's why I think this Test match is so significant because this group of players do have that opportunity to walk out there and it's something so special."
Ahead of next week's clash, Smith said the Test held more significance than others, if New Zealand is to avoid a similar wait for its next Boxing Day appearance.
"If we win, if we're able to win this Test match, I promise you it won't be 32 years until the next one," he said.
"It just won't be.
New Zealand needs a bounce-back performance after the humbling it received in the first Test Getty
"I've never known a New Zealand cricket Test which has so much significance at home.
"Sure it hurt losing in Perth and that wasn't a very good performance, but people have made bookings to come over here months ago. I wouldn't be able to estimate the number of people who are making the trip over.
"It's so important that they front and perform and a win at the end of the day would mean so much."
Former Australian great Whitney was also left fuming at New Zealand's Boxing Day absence, calling the gap between appearances a "disgrace".
The MCG will be the host to the bouncer battle from the first Test that is sure to resume Getty
"They're our brothers and sisters across the ditch and we haven't played them in a Boxing Day Test in 32 years," Whitney told Fox Sports.
"The Kiwis would be over here every other summer if we gave them the chance.
"The Kiwis are no slouches. They didn't play well, but they were missing a few players in that first Test. They could really bounce back in the second Test, particularly if they get (Trent) Boult and a few others back in the team.
"But wouldn't we just show them the courtesy of having them over a little bit more often. Crazy stuff. It's all about money."
