While most cricket-mad children would relish the opportunity to meet their sporting heroes, 8-year-old Shakeel Kanji is more excited to make his television debut when he tosses the coin before today's test match.
The Year 5 student won the privilege to accompany Black Caps skipper Brendan McCullum and India captain M.S. Dhoni on to the pitch at Eden Park ahead of this morning's test.
Shakeel looked perplexed when he received the news in front of his Cornwall Park District School peers from Black Cap B.J. Watling during a special assembly yesterday.
"I am quite happy that I am going to be on TV," said the Onehunga boy.
Shakeel's appearance at the game will be his first live match, and after his official duties he will watch from the stands with his father Vijay, mother Beena and 6-year-old sister, Varnika.