It's been a long wait, but at last New Zealand's summer gets underway today in Brisbane.

Circumstances have meant that it is not the start New Zealand expected to be making in Pakistan.

But there is no doubt that it is the prospect of the Australian tour that has been whetting the appetites of Kiwis.

The return of injured players, Daniel Vettori, Dion Nash and Shayne O'Connor, all of whom are playing in today's opening game against the Queensland Academy of Sport, has been keenly awaited.

Vettori is the key factor. He is clearly the best spinner New Zealand has, by the length of Auckland's Queen Street.

He offers skipper Stephen Fleming so much in terms of attacking options and, while still young by international spinning standards, his cricketing intelligence makes him a prime asset for the side.

This four-day game is the first occasion since Zimbabwe last year that he has played anything other than limited overs cricket and it is an important test of the rehabilitation work he has done to get back into Test mode.

Nash is a less clear case. His back has been an ongoing concern and while he has done so much impressive work in recovery, it is still to be put to the test, and there is more of a feeling of fragility over his return. New Zealanders are hoping for the very best for Nash because he has so much to his competitive nature, and backs that with performance, that he is an important part of the side.

O'Connor too, is a big plus. He was just starting to settle into the role of front-line bowler last summer when he suffered a knee injury. He had increased his pace and was utilising more consistent swing to be a more complete bowler.

His recovery has not been so daunting but his progress will also be watched closely as he is shaping as an important factor in New Zealand's Test attack equation.

Chris Cairns' advance from knee surgery is being measured back at home in a match for the New Zealand Academy against their Australian counterparts, but if weather in Christchurch this morning is anything to go by, it may be another day of reduced opportunities for him.

He is to join the New Zealand team in Canberra for its second game.

CLEAR Black caps coach Denis Aberhart said: "The benefits of this tour opener not being a first-class match is that we can agree to play 12. This will allow us to give as many players as possible competitive cricket.

"We have decided to play an extra seam bowler rather than an extra spin bowler or batsman because we expect hot weather and we can more easily manage the bowlers' workload in what will be the players' first outing on grass.

"After a couple of days practice the players are really looking forward to getting the tour underway," Aberhart said.

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