The late Martin Crowe and Jonah Lomu have had a trophy named after them, for 25 January 2019’s inaugural cricket match between the Black Caps and All Blacks at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Former New Zealand cricket captain Crowed passed away at the age of 53 in 2016. Ex-All Blacks wing Lomu died at 40 in 2015.

‘It’s truly fitting that the names of these two national heroes have pride of place on what is a wonderful, iconic piece of Kiwi art,’ said Duco Events founder and director David Higgins, who is organising the fixture dubbed the ‘Black Clash’.

‘I’ve always believed that Martin and Jonah have not been fully recognised for the contribution they made to the country through their tremendous deeds on and off the sports field. Both Martin and Jonah were men whose achievements transcended the sports field. So to be able to honour them even in a small way by naming the T20 Black Clash trophy the Lomu-Crowe trophy just feels right.’

The rugby team will feature several All Blacks stars, including backline kingpin Israel Dagg. Australian batsman David Hussey will play for the All Blacks, too, as a so-called ‘international wildcard’.

‘It’s huge. Look at the trophy, it’s amazing, it’s beautiful. It symbolises New Zealand and, obviously, you’ve got two great, world renowned athletes in Lomu and Crowe. Those names will live on forever,’ added Dagg.

South Africa’s Proteas and Springboks have played similar cricket fixtures previously.

Team Rugby: Kieran Read (captain), Richie McCaw, Israel Dagg, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Aaron Smith, Jason Spice, Ali Williams, Kendra Cocksedge, Kaylum Boshier, Ofisa Tunu’u (wicketkeeper), David Hussey (international wildcard).

Team Cricket: Brendon McCullum (captain), Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi (wicketkeeper), Kyle Mills, Chris Harris, Nathan Astle, James Franklin, Hamish Marshall, Liz Perry.