Cricket has always tended to play second fiddle to rugby in New Zealand - and it's no surprise that many stadiums double up as rugby grounds over the winter.

Unfortunately the climate in the land of the Long White Cloud sometimes favours the oval ball better than the hard red leather one - at Napier, for example, the first two Tests were ruined by rain.

Wellington's WestpacTrust Stadium is probably the smartest and most modern ground - though the 'Windy City's' other stadium - the Basin Reserve - has more history.

The best wicket for spinners is perhaps Eden Park, Auckland, while for New Zealand's cricket headquarters is Jade Stadium, Christchurch.

Dunedin, at Carisbrook, has a reputation as being one of cricket's coldest grounds - but Manchester's Old Trafford in May must surely rival it.

It may be a sign of the times, but Test matches tend to attract very small crowds during the week in New Zealand these days, though one-day internationals retain their popularity.