The Black Caps are going up against England in the first of two tests at Bay Oval in Tauranga today.

With the game set to kick off at 2pm, cricket supporters are stoked the game can go ahead, after the extensive preparations organisers made to avoid cancellation from Cyclone Gabrielle.

In the lead up to the game, Bay Oval general manager told SunLive the event organising team had been "full on" to get "five days of work done in two".

The weather is looking partly cloudy, with a few showers after midday. If the weather holds up, Kelvin is expecting "fantastic crowds" and is excited to hold the Bay Oval's first day/night test match.

Prior to today's match, it's been a mammoth 78 days since the Black Caps' last home international. They are finally back in action after an interminable wait for home cricket fans.

Kane Williamson training in Tauranga on Monday. Photo: David Hall/SunLive.

The Bay Oval bathing in sunshine on Wednesday, increasing the likelihood of a largely uninterrupted five days for this much-awaited two-test series against England, starting with the pink ball under lights.

Under the Kiwi connection Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England swagger into New Zealand in dominant test form with nine wins from their last 10, taking in the 3-0 sweep over the Black Caps last June.

The hosts, meanwhile, have won just two of their last 10 including home defeats in 2022 to Bangladesh at this very ground, and South Africa in Christchurch. And there's been disruption in the buildup, too, with Kyle Jamieson ruled out with a back injury and fellow key bowler Matt Henry remaining in Christchurch awaiting the birth of his first child.

That left a pace trio of captain Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and likely debutant Blair Tickner, while Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggeleijn were summoned as cover. Trent Boult was not considered despite living just around the corner from the ground, with coach Gary Stead saying contracted players would take precedence.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead speaking to media on Monday. Photo: David Hall/SunLive.

The stats

In New Zealand, England's last win was in Napier in 2008 (Southee's debut) as they clinched that series 2-1. Since then, the sides have met seven times in New Zealand for two wins by the home side, and five draws.

Both those wins were significant. In 2018 the Black Caps beat England by an innings and 49 runs in Auckland in the sides' only pink ball test after Boult's six-wicket haul saw the touring side skittled for 58. That remains the only day-night test played in New Zealand.

The last time they met at Bay Oval in November 2019, the hosts cruised to victory by an innings and 65 runs thanks to a BJ Watling double-century and an eight-wicket match haul from Neil Wagner.

The forecast

MetService predictions have improved across the five days vastly from earlier in the week. No significant rain is predicted across the test match.

Thursday and Friday, days one and two, are forecast as partly cloudy with a few showers and a maximum of 24-25C, while Saturday looks clear with a maximum of 23C.

The odds

The Black Caps usually start favourites against England at home but not this time. Recent form and key absences from the hosts mean the TAB rates England at $2.11 to win, with Southee's team at $2.50 and the draw at $4.45.

Squads

Black Caps: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

England: Ben Stokes (c), Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Olly Stone.

Activities for kids

Kids activities are also located at the grounds, making a great opportunity for cricket fans to bring their kids to the game after work.

For more information on the upcoming match, or to buy tickets, visit the event website.

- Additional reporting by Stuff.