A big few weeks for the Black Caps gets underway at the Home of Cricket in London tonight.
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The first of two tests against England would be the team's first match at the famous Lord's ground since they were denied World Cup triumph there in 2019.
Captain Kane Williams has confirmed a 12 and that batsman Devon Conway will make his debut.
The 12 is Tom Latham, Conway, Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee and Matt Henry.
It had been almost two years since the Black Caps suffered that bitter disappointment.
So, while they were returning to the scene of an unforgettable occasion, coach Gary Stead insisted the match wasn't front of mind.
"People want to know if it is revenge for the World Cup but it is a completely different team and situation.
"I know our boys are buzzing to get out there and play England, first and foremost."
And buzzing to be back at the Home of Cricket.
Veteran batsman Ross Taylor says returning to Lord's never got old, despite his vivid recollections of the last gut-wrenching moments of that 2019 title decider.
"I was sitting in the chair that I watched the super over in and that brought back a few memories.
"Obviously it was disappointing to be on the wrong end of that but the history and tradition that goes with [Lord's], even me who's been here a few times, it's still exciting."
Outside of some typically wet English weather, the Black Caps could have hardly wished for a better start to their tour.
Two tests against England in England loomed as perfect preparation for the World Test Championship final against India in Southampton later this month.
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But seamer Kyle Jamieson said it wasn't in the team's make-up to look past their next match, and something he in particular was avoiding.
"[This is] my first trip to England, first time playing cricket in England and my first trip to Lord's.
"If I get too distracted by something happening in two or three weeks time I'll end up in not great shape in terms of taking care of this game."
While the Black Caps would be without Trent Boult, England were down seven frontline players - including world class duo Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.
The presence of Anderson and longtime new-ball partner Stuart Broad would keep the Kiwis wary, but former England captain Michael Vaughan was giving the visitors every chance.
"England don't lose many test series at home, New Zealand don't losing many test series at home and both teams have struggled when they've struggled.
"That's why I see this as a very 50-50 contest.
"It wouldn't surprise me if this was one-all, but this New Zealand team will take some beating.
That was certainly the case the last time they were at Lord's.
And Black Caps coach Stead said any lingering memories simply served as motivation to start an important month firmly on the front foot.
"I know our guys are determined and whether you win or lose at a ground, we've probably won and lost at most grounds around the world now.
"It actually really doesn't have much bearing on what will happen in this game."
The first ball of the first test was set for 10pm tonight.
Boult's replacement, the lone all-rounders spot and a likely debut for Devon Conway at the top of the order were the selections to watch come team naming time at the toss.
