BlackCaps to host Boxing Day Test

Hagley Oval in Christchurch will become New Zealand's eighth Test venue and host the first home Boxing Test for more than a decade when Sri Lanka tour this summer.

NZ Cricket unveiled a home summer schedule on Tuesday which is dominated by one-day internationals in the lead-up to the 2015 World Cup to be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

Just two Tests will be played, against Sri Lanka in Christchurch from December 26 and at Wellington's Basin Reserve from January 3.

A Boxing Day Test hasn't been part of New Zealand's scheduling since the Basin Reserve hosted it each year from 1998-2003.

Hagley Oval is being upgraded to host the opening game of the World Cup between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on February 14.

NZC head of cricket Lindsay Crocker acknowledged its selection would provide a boost to Christchurch, which hasn't hosted a Test since the 2011 earthquake wrecked AMI Stadium.

"Bringing international cricket back to Christchurch was always a priority for NZC," he said.

"And we feel the Boxing Day Test was a good way to celebrate what will be a very special landmark."

Hagley Oval will also host the first of seven ODIs against Sri Lanka spanning January 11-29.

Two Twenty20 internationals were scheduled for the Sri Lanka tour but both countries agreed to switch them to ODIs to better prepare for the World Cup.

Two days after Sri Lanka depart, the Black Caps play two ODIs against Pakistan on January 31 and February 3.

The home season begins earlier than usual in October with a three-match ODI series against South Africa.

Tauranga's Bay Oval will be anointed as an international venue when it hosts the first two games on October 21 and 24. The third game is in Hamilton.

The Black Caps will then play Pakistan in a full series in the United Arab Emirates.

Crocker made no apology for the preponderance of home ODIS. He said a strong showing at the World Cup was New Zealand's priority, and suggested the Boxing Day Test may not return to being a regular fixture, with the schedule rejigged this summer to allow for ODIs closer to the World Cup.

"Three very competitive opponents, the chance to play at all our World Cup venues, and to take the team around the country – we think this offers a good lead-in to the World Cup," he said.