Cricket: Hagley Oval pitch looking lively ahead of second test between Black Caps and Australia

Christchurch's Hagley Oval ahead of the the start of the second test between the Black Caps and Australia on Saturday. Photo/cricket.com.au

One day out from the second test between the Black Caps and Australia the Hagley Oval pitch is looking green and promises to offer more life than the Basin Reserve.

The toss will be all important with the green conditions sure to aid bowlers for at least the opening day of the test.

Both sides will hope that is the case after a lively wicket turned dead within a day in Australia's win over the Black Caps in the capital.

Fair to say the Hagley Oval pitch is a touch on the green side two days out from the second #NZvAUS Test! pic.twitter.com/vwgtRAC3Qy

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 17, 2016

Earlier this week, Hagley Oval groundsman Rupert Bool said he hoped Wellington's overcast conditions will allow the green wicket to hang around for longer.

Bool told Radio Sport the different soil may be a factor, but the weather doesn't look like it will burn the grass off quicker throughout the second test.

He added they don't have anything special planned for Brendon McCullum's final test, apart from preparing an excellent ground.