Watling wary of Sri Lanka

The two matches may be seen as something as a hindrance before the teams continue their World Cup preparations in a one-day international series, which follows the Tests.

Yet, with both the Black Caps and Sri Lanka in decent form in the longest format of the game, neither side will want to give an inch.

The tourists have won three of their last four Test series, including a famous victory in England over the summer.

And Watling told New Zealand media: "They're definitely not a team to be taken lightly.

"I watched that game in England and they played some very good cricket. They're going to be a challenge for us - they're a strong team."

However, Sri Lanka have travelled with a relatively inexperienced squad with only veteran Kumar Sangakkara and Prasanna Jayawardene having experienced New Zealand playing conditions.

The batting line-up has also undoubtedly been weakened by the retirement of Mahela Jayawardene, who made 11,814 runs for his country in Tests.

Watling, whose Black Caps side have won three of their last four Test series, added: "Their team is a bit younger in terms of the batting. Without Mahela Jayawardene there - it's a big loss for them.

"But they've definitely got some good young players coming through, and it's probably their chance to stand up now."

The game at the Hagley Oval, a venue which will make its Test debut on Friday, is the first match the Black Caps will play at Christchurch since the city was hit by a major earthquake in 2011.

While Watling has not played at the venue, the 29-year-old said: "Everyone's pretty excited about the game. Hopefully we get a bit of bounce and carry so we can really test the Sri Lankan team."

Touring captain Angelo Mathews has admitted they have had limited time to adapt to the conditions, having played much of their cricket in the last few months on the subcontinent.

"Getting used to the conditions will be key for us," he said.

"We've been playing a lot of cricket in the sub-continent over the last six months or so, so we really need to make the most of our practice sessions."