Ian Smith models the beige kit of the 1980s

The two groups have chosen to adorn themselves in the retro beige one-day uniform sported by the Kiwis in the mid-eighties and each faction has accused the other of stealing their thunder.

To most England fans it might seem amusing to see the Black Caps fans squabbling amongst themselves but letters have been fired off to local newspapers claiming the beige attire for their own group.

Take this letter for instance: "We in the Beige Brigade have only one response to the hard case boys in the Brown Caps and their words lathered in envy, resentment and jealousy-lift your game."

Watch this space to see if the 'beige wave' rolls into Christchurch for the first Test match or if the whole spat was a storm in a one day tea-cup.

I was totally oblivious to the whole thing on Tuesday as I took my 20 dollar (about six quid) space on the terraces.

Early on a fierce afternoon sun competed with a bracing wind leaving many of those on the terrace rather 'bronzed'.

But as the floodlights took effect later on I could see why match tickets for games at Dunedin (the world's most southerly international cricket ground) come with their own unique health warning.

England players huddle for warmth in Dunedin

They tell you, in no uncertain terms, that for a day-night game at Carisbrook you need to 'Slip, slop, slap, wrap'.

I doubted that the balaclava that had kept me warm in northern India would see service ever again but I was mighty glad it found a place alongside my sun cream in my rucksack for this trip.

If I hadn't have been able to wrap myself up warm as Nathan Astle saw the Black Caps home I think I still might have been thawing out now!

I've now arrived in Queenstown for England's game against Otago after standing in a torrential downpour for three hours as I hitched a lift from Dunedin.

The less than romantically named Queenstown Events Centre is hosting its first first-class fixture and has already been labelled the most picturesque ground in the world.

When I've dried out and warmed up I'll let you know how true that claim is.

You can contact Phil on his New Zealand adventure by sending an e-mail to a_longwayfromhome@hotmail.com