Moving ball to test Australian technique in Wellington

New Zealand's captain Brendon McCullum (L) stands with teammates after they lost the third cricket test match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, in South Australia, November 29, 2015. REUTERS/David Gray

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Swing and seam friendly conditions, a lack of truly scary Australian bowlers and New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum's retirement are all themes that will resonate when the first test gets underway in Wellington on Friday.

The Basin Reserve wicket was heavily grassed just 48 hours out from the toss and, even if brilliant sunshine in New Zealand's capital was expected to brown it off, McCullum and Steve Smith are still likely to ask the opposition to bat.