Devon Conway is preparing for a match he wasn't quite sure would ever happen.
The Blackcaps batter is poised to face the country where he spent the first 26 years of his life, when the first test gets underway against South Africa in Christchurch on Thursday.
He'll feature in an NZ lineup that's set to look a little different at Hagley Oval.
Conway's trying to play down the momentous occasion which awaits him.
"It's just another game," Conway says. "It's just going to be a different challenge."
But the Johannesburg-born 30-year-old admits he's very much looking forward to facing his country of birth.
"Seeing the guys again, it's going to be very exciting," he admits.
"I know a lot of the guys in their squad… it's been good seeing the guys again."
In 2017, Conway moved from South Africa to New Zealand, before debuting for the Blackcaps last year.
He's since cemented his position in the test XI with a stellar start to his international career, averaging a jaw-dropping 69.22 through his five matches to date.
Conway concedes he's leaned on fellow ex-pat South African Neil Wagner for advice heading into his first match against a Proteas team he once aspired to be a part of.
"He said that ultimately it's just another game of cricket. Don't look into it too much, don't try be someone you're not, just do what you do and the rest will take care of itself."
Captain Kane Williamson's ongoing elbow injury and Ross Taylor's retirement mean Conway will continue to bat at No. 3 in the first test, forcing another top-five reshuffle.
Coach Gary Stead confirms Will Young and Tom Latahm will open the batting, followed by Conway, Henry Nicholls at four and Daryl Mitchell at fifth in the order.
Stead has also indicated fast bowler Matt Henry will likely replace Trent Boult, who is awaiting the birth of his third child.
And while the Blackcaps will be without some big names, Kiwi Conway is ready to go.
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