The task of carrying the Australian bowling torch is weighing lightly on Brett Lee's shoulders heading into the opening match of the Chappell-Hadlee one-day series in Auckland on Saturday.
For the first time in his career, the 29-year-old New South Wales speedster will spearhead the attack due to the absence of Glenn McGrath (rested), Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz (both dropped).
Lee said he was looking forward to the extra responsibility and seemed cock-a-hoop at the prospect of terrorising the New Zealand batsmen again.
Last summer his shafts of lightning sent Michael Papps to hospital and saw him record his fastest delivery of 160.8km/h in Napier.
"I'll just try and keep doing exactly the same stuff I've been doing for the past six years playing for Australia in the one-day competition," Lee told The Australian newspaper.
"Just to try and build on what I did over in the Ashes, I felt like I was bowling well in that series and the results were starting to come, and now it's really starting to happen."
Lee was the leading wicket-taker in the just-completed three-test series against the West Indies with 18 wickets at 20.94. However, he brings with him one of the most depleted Australian attacks to visit these shores with only left-armer Nathan Bracken a fringe player.
The rest of the attack comprises a McGrath clone in Stuart Clark, Michael Lewis, who has been successful at domestic level, legspinners Brad Hogg and Cameron White and Andrew Symonds.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes the leadership role will bring out the best in Lee.
"I think that's great for him (Lee). He's never had that tag before in any Australian team that he's played in.
"There's always been a (Jason) Gillespie or a (Glenn) McGrath there ahead of him. He's certainly getting the results now.
"He didn't get the results he deserved during the Ashes tour but since he's been back he's looked very, very good."
New Zealand trained for three hours at Eden Park yesterday with the features being the return of Chris Cairns and the captaincy in the hands of Daniel Vettori.
Wellington left-armer James Franklin said Cairns had slotted straight back in and looked at his imposing best in the nets.
"He lifted the unit and he's got so much experience. He's great to talk to about the game and your bowling, so it's good to have him back."
Franklin said Vettori had slipped effortlessly into the role.
"He's got a great cricketing brain, so it's natural he takes the steps up.
"We went over a few things at the end and Dan was urging us to speak our minds."
Franklin remains on tenterhooks about his prospects of earning his 34th cap. He played three times in South Africa, the first in the super-sub role, and could sneak into the side for Saturday if the overhead conditions come up in favour of swing bowling.
"My opportunities were limited in South Africa but I was reasonably happy with what I did do.
"I've got no idea if I'll make the XI or even be the super-sub. I think I'll have a better idea once we know the forecast and have seen the pitch."
- JONATHAN MILLMOW