A Tauranga boy with a life-long illness will flip the coin to start the match between the Black Caps and South Africa in Auckland today.
Royce Trask is possibly the Black Caps' biggest fan but he suffers from spina bifida, which means he cannot play the sport he loves. But thanks to a National Bank competition, 8-year-old Royce will stand between New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum and South Africa's AB de Villiers and toss the coin before the match today at Eden Park.
"When I found out I felt ecstatic, because I get to see Brendon McCullum and all the rest of [the team]," said Royce.
"I think I'll be a little nervous, I'll probably shake a little. The first thing I'll say is can I have an autograph, then wish them good luck."
Royce had his first operation when he was 3 years old, after his parents noticed his spine curved to the sides. In the operation, surgeons connected titanium rods to each side of his spine to give it extra support.
As Royce grows, he has to have surgery once a year to expand the titanium rods and stretch his spine straight.
He has had about seven operations, the last being in November - right at the beginning of cricket season. He wanted to play for a school or club cricket team this year but, with his back problems, it wasn't feasible, dad Royden Trask said.
"He's always wanted to play cricket and we hoped he would be able to, but we felt his back wasn't quite ready, he was still quite sore."
Despite his illness, Royce can run, jump and play like other kids. He enjoys running, golf, ripper rugby, volleyball and cricket, and plays at lunchtime and after school.
He has never been part of an organised sports team and hopes next season will be his calling.
"I love cricket, it's my favourite. I like hitting the ball and catching stuff."