Blackcaps v Australia: Australian spin legend Nathan Lyon hails influence of Blackcaps great Dan Vettori

Australia's cricketers have hailed the influence of arguably New Zealand's best ever spinner on their squad, as they prepare to face the Blackcaps in the first test at the Basin Reserve.

 Daniel Vettori's part of Australia's coaching staff and won't be short on advice this week as he tries to plot more success for the reigning world test champions.

The kings of red ball cricket are back in Wellington, preparing for their first test match in New Zealand in eight years.

 Their all-conquering test squad has now fully assembled, with Nathan Lyon, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja among those ready to rip in the two-match series.

"There's a lot of excitement throughout the group," said Lyon.  

"Obviously we respect the quality of the New Zealand side so it’s going to be a great series."

 Lyon's one of five Australians who took part in their last test series on NZ soil - dominating with 10 wickets.

And you wouldn't bet against the spinner reaching that number again - especially given Vettori's now part of the management group.

"He's been able to give us some really good insights into the way the New Zealand batters think... amazing insight," Lyon added.  

"And someone who did a similar craft to myself, he's been incredibly valuable." 

Equally valuable are two of New Zealand's best, who have returned to boost the Blackcaps' stocks.

Daryl Mitchell has returned from a foot injury, while Kane Williamson will also feature, after missing the entire T20 series.

Mitchell hopes the home advantage can see the Kiwis through this time around.

"For us to play test cricket for our country is pretty special," Mitchell said.  

"To do it here at the Basin and then Hagley, it's going to be pretty cool to see the whole country get behind us with some pretty full crowds."

Australia's cricketers have hailed the influence of arguably New Zealand's best ever spinner on their squad, as they prepare to face the Blackcaps in the first test at the Basin Reserve.

 Daniel Vettori's part of Australia's coaching staff and won't be short on advice this week as he tries to plot more success for the reigning world test champions.

The kings of red ball cricket are back in Wellington, preparing for their first test match in New Zealand in eight years.

 Their all-conquering test squad has now fully assembled, with Nathan Lyon, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja among those ready to rip in the two-match series.

"There's a lot of excitement throughout the group," said Lyon.  

"Obviously we respect the quality of the New Zealand side so it’s going to be a great series."

 Lyon's one of five Australians who took part in their last test series on NZ soil - dominating with 10 wickets.

And you wouldn't bet against the spinner reaching that number again - especially given Vettori's now part of the management group.

"He's been able to give us some really good insights into the way the New Zealand batters think... amazing insight," Lyon added.  

"And someone who did a similar craft to myself, he's been incredibly valuable." 

Equally valuable are two of New Zealand's best, who have returned to boost the Blackcaps' stocks.

Daryl Mitchell has returned from a foot injury, while Kane Williamson will also feature, after missing the entire T20 series.

Mitchell hopes the home advantage can see the Kiwis through this time around.

"For us to play test cricket for our country is pretty special," Mitchell said.  

"To do it here at the Basin and then Hagley, it's going to be pretty cool to see the whole country get behind us with some pretty full crowds."

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