More than eight months after his last Blackcaps appearance, veteran fast-bowler Neil Wagner couldn't ask for a tougher assignment, as he returns from injury.
Approaching 38 years of age, the evergreen Wagner has been called into the Blackcaps' squad as an injury replacement for Matt Henry, as the Blackcaps regroup from their Cricket World Cup exit with a two-test series in Bangladesh.
With Trent Boult also unavailable, Wagner's presence in the side is welcome for a spin-heavy squad, with only captain Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson as specialist seamers.
As one of few test specialists left, amid a diet of mostly white-ball internationals, the chance to represent his adopted nation isn't turning old anytime soon.
"It's pretty special and nice to get the call," said Wagner. "You never take these things for granted.
"It's nice to be back with the squad, be with the lads, see all their faces again. I'm looking forward to meeting up with the rest of the guys over in the UAE.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead in Bangladesh. It's a pretty tough place to tour, but I'm looking forward to those challenges."
If named in the side for the first test at Sylhet's International Cricket Stadium on November 28, Wagner can add to his recent record of delivering in thrilling Blackcaps victories.
In February, the left-armer took the final wicket in an incredible one-run victory and series draw against England at Wellington's Basin Reserve.
The following month, he strode out to bat with a bulging disc in his back and torn hamstring, sprinting a final-ball bye in a two-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.
After stints with Somerset in England and Northern Districts to start this season's Plunket Shield, nothing will beat the feeling of test cricket.
"It's a pretty special memory, apart from getting injured," he continued. "It's quite nice to be involved and contribute in two pretty special test matches.
"Winter has been a bit of a tough slog, getting the body right. It's been very rewarding and quite pleasing to see the other side of it.
"It's all been ticking along nicely. Once we're over there, I'll hit the ground running with the lads.
"If called upon and required, hopefully I can contribute to the best of my ability to win test matches."
If Bangladesh have anything to say about it, Wagner's return won't be an easy one. While the subcontinent is usually a graveyard for bowlers - and seamers in particular - the hosts will take things to another level against the Blackcaps.
Ten years ago - last time the Blackcaps played a test in Bangladesh - the series ended in a 0-0 draw, with no results possible across 10 days of cricket. Flat pitches were the norm, with the tourists scoring more than 400 runs in both tests.
This time around, Bangladesh will be more inclined to chase results, as the third cycle of the World Test Championship begins. Wickets will likely favour spinners, with the Blackcaps naming five spin options in their 15-man squad.
If Wagner gets the call-up, he's happy to do whatever job is asked of him.
"Obviously it's a tough place to tour in tough conditions. As a fast bowler, your role changes quite a bit in trying to support the spin bowlers and playing a different role.
"Whatever way you can contribute and play a role to have an impact to winning test matches over there will be pretty special.
"I'm looking forward to getting stuck into it."
