A week after Brendan McCullum was labelled a ''piece of shit'' for stepping into an Australian domestic side, the wicketkeeper could today give up his place in the New Zealand team to an Australian.
In an ironic twist, ACT Comet's wicketkeeper Ryan Carters could take on the keeping duties in the Kiwi team for today's match against the Prime Minister's XI if McCullum fails a fitness test this morning.
McCullum is still expected to bat, but could be rested in the field ahead of the first one-dayer against Australia on Sunday.
Last week Australian Test all-rounder Andrew Symonds criticised the selection of McCullum in the NSW team for the domestic Twenty20 final as ''un-Australian''.
He followed up with an alcohol-fuelled radio interview in which he again slammed the New Zealand interloper, comments which could earn him a substantial fine, a suspension, or both.
Cricket Australia has given its blessing to Carters to stand in as wicketkeeper should it be needed.
McCullum's hip flexor injury is one of three injury scares in the New Zealand camp, with batsman Jesse Ryder in doubt for the series with an injured rotator cuff, and fast bowler Tim Southee nursing a groin strain.
However Southee is expected to play today.
For 18-year-old Carters, the call-up came as a complete surprise.
He said the prospect of replacing McCullum in the side was ''a little ironic'' but didn't have a problem with the New Zealander's role in last weekend's Twenty20 final.
Carters had gone to watch the New Zealand players train at Manuka Oval before receiving a call from his under-19s coach Andrew Dawson.
''I'm really excited, it's a big opportunity and even though I have no idea whether I'll be playing, it's great to be involved, just to be around an international side is a blast,'' Carters said.
While New Zealand is already below full strength, captain Daniel Vettori is a certain starter for today's clash and said the Black Caps would be as strong as they could be.
''I think because of the tightness of our schedule we need to put out the best side we can, and once we get over the injuries we'll try to pick our full-strength side heading into the first one-dayer,'' Vettori said.
''We are pretty excited, it's the first opportunity to play in Australia and we know how important the tradition of this match is.
''It's an opportunity for a lot of young guys to try and make their mark not only for the Prime Minister's team but also for us we have a lot of new players who will want to have a good hit-out and get into some form ahead of the first one-dayer.''
In contrast to New Zealand's injury woes, the Prime Minister's side is fit and ready to give Kevin Rudd his first victory in the match.
In the three matches played between the two sides, New Zealand is undefeated at Manuka, but Prime Minister's captain Justin Langer was keen to change that.
''It's always good to play our Anzac brothers,'' Langer said. ''They always provide a good contest and they have some great players, but our strengths will be our enthusiasm.
''It's not until you retire that you realise these sorts of games can be a stepping stone, so I'll be encouraging the guys to make the most of the opportunity.
''There are plenty of opportunities coming up in the Australian Test and one-day sides and there is some great talent on display, so I'm looking forward to playing with these guys.''
Langer played 105 Tests for Australia between 1993 and 2007, and the Western Australian last played in the Prime Minister's match in 2006.
He said the opportunity to return and help the young Australian talent develop was the reason to play in his third outing at Manuka.
''If I can pass on any wisdom and I use the term loosely then that would be a real plus for the young guys,'' Langer said.
TODAY
Prime Minister's XI v New Zealand at Manuka Oval, 10am. Gates open 8.30am.
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