Ferguson, whose express pace made him one of the most fearsome fast bowlers at the year’s flagship event, is currently nursing a fractured thumb, suffered during a training session before the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

But a return to Auckland at the Plunket Shield should have him match ready for the two-Test home series against England and then the tour of Australia, where New Zealand play three Tests.

However, the 28-year-old realises that the road to the squad won’t be easy. With Trent Boult and Tim Southee holding down two of the fast bowler slots, Ferguson is left competing with Neil Wagner, who has been a hugely successful member of the Test team in the past, and Matt Henry.

Not only would that mean a return to the site of his 50-over debut, but it would come alongside the prospect of unleashing some scorchers at the new Perth stadium, as well as participating in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“I know I made my debut in one-dayers against Australia, and that in itself was a dream come true in a way, debuting at the SCG,” Ferguson said. “Of course, these games are going to be big games and the new pitch at Perth looks naughty, as it always is with the old WACA.”