Sydney: If New Zealand thought they-d been poorly treated in not receiving an invite to the Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG for a Boxing Day Test in 32 years, the situation at the Sydney Cricket Ground SCG is even worse.

It-s been 34 years since they lost to Australia by four wickets and that is one of only two Tests they-ve played at the iconic ground. Many fine New Zealand cricketers have been denied a treat as the SCG was my favourite ground as a player and it has remained so in 40 years of commentary and writing.