The Black Caps are riding the increased wave of support from the public as they head into the opening test against England in Christchurch, starting this morning. 

Day three on Saturday is sold out, while minimal tickets remain to today's opening day. 

Black Caps all-rounder Rachin Ravindra told Mike Hosking the team's historic whitewash in India has helped the cause. 

He says that there’s a lot more people congratulating them for their efforts in India as they’re walking around. 

“That’s what we want right? We want the public to be behind us, and hopefully we can keep inspiring people to keep playing the game.” 

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