Cricket: Lucky track for the Black Caps?

Brendon McCullum inspects the pitch on which the first test will be played at the Gabba. Photo / Getty

Might history repeat for New Zealand at the Gabba tomorrow?

The opening test of their series against Australia will be played on the same pitch used for the famous Hadlee test of 1985.

Richard Hadlee's 15 wickets, including nine for 52 in the first innings, spearheaded one of New Zealand's most celebrated test victories, by an innings and 41 runs.

Whether the move is by accident or design is not clear, but more likely it is simply by chance that this pitch was designated for the opening test of the Australian summer.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum wasn't aware of the link, but whether his team can catch onto any sense of déjà vu remains to be seen.

''There may be some of the guys in the team who will call on that as a bit of inspiration, but it's not something we've talked about in the group," he said.