Australian cricket star Steve Smith has provided a warning about what to expect from the Perth pitch as the Black Caps and Australian prepare for the first test on Thursday.
While the wicket at Optus Stadium will have comparatively little scrutiny when compared to the Melbourne Cricket Ground's pitch problems ahead of the Boxing Day test, Smith still noted what he was expecting from the Perth pitch - and how it can mess with a batsman's confidence.
"We've seen here in the past - the cracks come into play late in the game.
"If it's as hot as it says it's going to be, they could potentially come into play. It's something that plays on your mind. You look down and you see these things [but] generally the balls that get you out don't touch the cracks, they're sort of just playing on your mind."
The fact that the test is a day-night pink-ball encounter could also make things interesting, Smith said.
