Both national anthems to be sung before Hamilton Test

In a move thought to be a first for Test cricket in New Zealand, the third and final Test in the National Bank series will get under way in Hamilton tomorrow morning with a powerful rendition of both the New Zealand and Pakistan National Anthems.

The entire Hamilton Girls' High School, 1300 pupils, will sing a verse of the New Zealand Anthem in Maori and another in English while a group of 20 Pakistani Nationals from the Hamilton area will follow with the Pakistan anthem.

Both choirs will assemble in front of the players' exit at WestpacTrust Park and will greet the CLEAR Black Caps and the Pakistan team with their respective anthems as they file onto the field just before the scheduled start of play at 10.30 tomorrow morning.

"We wanted to add that little extra to the importance of the occasion," said the Chief Executive of the Northern Districts Cricket Association, Mr John Turkington.

"The anthems have been sung at One Day Internationals before in New Zealand, but so far as anyone can remember, this is a first for Test cricket. It will be quite a spectacle, the whole school in their uniform and the Pakistani group will be in national costume.

"Another unique touch will come at the end of the match with the presentation of medallions to the umpires and scorers. Again, so far as we are aware, this is not done elsewhere in New Zealand," Mr Turkington said.