The captains of New Zealand and Australia’s cricket teams have elevated their trans-Tasman rivalry beyond the pitch, bringing their competitive spirit into the culinary world ahead of this week’s three-game KFC T20I series.

Black Caps captain Michael Bracewell and Australia’s Mitch Marsh were out and about in Mount Maunganui on Sunday evening, sampling the best of the Tauranga region as part of the pre-series trophy shoot.

Somethin’ Somethin’ owner Nathan Turley set them a Captains Challenge, recreating a new avocado dish landing on the cafe’s menu on Wednesday.

Somethin’ Somethin’ owner Nathan Turley set a culinary Captains Challenge, recreating a new avocado dish on sourdough. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

“We’re keeping it local using Bay of Plenty avocado and sourdough from Mount Sourdough,” Turley said.

“An avocado mousse with fermented tomatoes, smoked ricotta and feta whip, chilli onion jam and pickled radishes, with a bit of dukkah.”

The cricket enthusiast enjoyed working within walking distance of the Bay Oval.

“I’m a lifelong cricket tragic,” Turley said. “I’ve watched it my whole life.”

The avocado dish challenge set for BLACKCAPS captain Michael Bracewell and Australia’s Mitch Marsh at Somethin' Somethin' at Mount Maunganui. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

In the kitchen, the captains piped avocado mousse onto sourdough with the kind of steady control usually reserved for the crease, placing the finishing touches with care and precision.

The captains also faced off over the coffee machine, following latte-making instructions from Somethin’ Somethin’ barista Will Langi.

Australian captain Mitch Marsh making a latte at Somethin' Somethin' in Heath St, with BLACKCAPS captain Michael Bracewell looking on. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The results of both efforts were judged by Tauranga Mayor Mahè Drysdale.

Drysdale said Marsh’s - decorated with what Marsh called “a love heart for the mayor” - wasn’t as “pretty as the example” but it tasted good.

He gave it a seven out of 10.

Bracewell’s latte won slightly more praise.

Drysdale said Bracewell’s art was slightly better, but the coffee was cooler. 

He gave it a 7.5 based on the art and Bracewell being a Kiwi.

“It was a pretty impressive effort.”

The winning latte made by BLACKCAPS captain Michael Bracewell. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Tourism Bay of Plenty saw the opportunity to shine the light on local attractions during the KFC T20I series this week.

“We are wanting to showcase our foodie destinations in the Bay of Plenty by doing a shoot in a local cafe with a competition Nathan has put together,” Tourism Bay of Plenty’s Carole Peters said.

Tauranga Mayor Mahè Drysdale, Australian captain Mitch Marsh, Somethin' Somethin' owner Nathan Turley, BLACKCAPS captain Michael Bracewell and Somethin' Something' barista Will Langi. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Being close to the Bay Oval, Somethin’ Somethin’ will be staying open after normal trading hours this week on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until the games start, so cricket fans can come and try the night-time menu, said Turley.

“We’ve got burgers, hotdogs, chicken salads, fries, good family friendly stuff, and beer on tap. People can come in and enjoy themselves before they head over to the game,” Turley said.

Beige Oval and moustaches

Australia, ranked second on the ICC T20I team rankings, landed in New Zealand on Friday afternoon and were formally welcomed to ‘Beige Oval’ on Sunday.

Tauranga’s Bay Oval will be referred to affectionately as ‘Beige Oval’ this week as the the BLACKCAPS are set to play host to their Trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the three-game KFC T20I series.

BLACKCAPS T20 captain Michael Bracewell and Australia T20 captain Mitch Marsh on the Mount Maunganui beach ahead of the Chappell-Hadlee KFC T201 series at Bay Oval. Photo / NZC

To mark two decades since the debut of men’s T20I cricket — and with the small matter of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy on the line — ‘Beige Oval’ will celebrate 20 years of the format, featuring special additions to an already blockbuster series.

Commemorative beige polos will be available for purchase for fans at the ground, along with retro headband and sweatband giveaways à la Hamish Marshall, whose famous get-up set the tone of the first men’s T20I between the same two sides at Eden Park 20 years ago.

Players from both sides plan to sport newly grown ‘retro’ moustaches, said NZ Cricket.

There are also plans in place for an under-arm bowling contest for fans on the field during the innings break, with prizes up for grabs for the lucky few selected to pay homage to one of the higher profile moments in a long history of Trans-Tasman sporting competition.

Tauranga Mayor Mahè Drysdale welcoming BLACKCAPS captain Michael Bracewell and Australian captain Mitch Marsh to Tauranga. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Reflecting on the first men’s T20I back in 2005, Tauranga Mayor Mahè Drysdale is ecstatic to be hosting Australia in his city.

“I still remember my first T20 experience watching New Zealand play Australia at Eden Park 20 odd years ago, when the beige came out – the energy, atmosphere, and excitement it brought to the game,“ Drysdale said.

“To now have Tauranga kick off the international cricket season, with three games played right in our backyard at Bay Oval, is a huge win for the city. It’s going to be a fantastic experience for locals and visitors, and a real opportunity to deliver value for our people and our local economy."

Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, at night. Photo / Supplied.

The international home summer and first match of the series gets underway with tickets selling strongly for the series.

Chappell-Hadlee Trophy KFC T20I Series

1st T20I - Weds, Oct 1 – 7.15pm – Bay Oval, Tauranga

2nd T20I - Fri, Oct 3 – 7.15pm – Bay Oval, Tauranga

3rd T20I - Sat, Oct 4 – 7.15pm – Bay Oval, Tauranga