Blackcaps white-ball captain Kane Williamson says the romance of test cricket is back, after the West Indies test win over Australia at Brisbane.
Williamson was one of many cricket fans who sat back and watched in awe, as Shamar Joseph bowled West Indies to their first test win downunder since 1997. He believes the West Indies success, as well as England's surprise victory over India a day later, will provide a much-needed boost to the format.
"Yeah, why not, Aussie are the No.1 team in the world anywhere they play, but especially at home, they are incredibly clinical.
"Not just the opposition [West Indies] were playing but the cricket that was played, and not just that match, but also England and India - two incredible games that are great advertisements for the sport.
"It sort of captured all cricket lovers, I think, and that's why the format is so special."
The victory was even more sweet for the Caribbean nation after they were forced to pick seven uncapped players for the two-test series, as some more senior players opted to play Twenty20 franchise cricket instead.
While Williamson is all for the growing popularity of Twenty20 leagues around the world, he believes the five-day format is still the most rewarding.
"It's certainly a format that is dear to our hearts and I think the same goes for a lot of international playing nations.
"We often speak about it. You play five days where the game could go any direction, and you get to the last day and all three results are a real chance.
"We all love the different formats and what it does for the game, but the tradition and history that surrounds test cricket... it's the pinnacle of the game."
Williamson hopes to get his next chance to play a five-day thriller, when the Blackcaps take on South Africa at Bay Oval.
Williamson missed the last three matches of New Zealand's 4-1 Twenty20 series win over Pakistan, due to a hamstring injury sustained in the second match. It was initially unclear if he would be able to take part in the first match, but Williamson says his rehab is right on track.
"Hamstring's good, progressed well in the last couple of weeks," he said. "Looking forward to getting back into training and getting back with the team."
The Blackcaps will be delighted to see Williamson return to the pitch for the two-match series, with results counting towards the third installment of the World Test Championship.
New Zealand currently sit third on the WTC table, after splitting their only other included test series so far, 1-1 with Bangladesh.
