WATCH: Aussies, Kiwis re-enact underarm ball

Exactly 36 years on from the infamous underarm delivery that rocked trans-Tasman cricket, a couple of Aussies and a couple of Black Caps have come together in good spirits to recreate the dramatic incident.

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As yet another anniversary of the controversial moment passed by, the quartet gathered at McLean Park in Napier to mark the occasion with a dramatic recreation of the events that transpired at the MCG on February 1, 1981.

Glenn Maxwell took on the role of former captain Greg Chappell, and leg-spinner Adam Zampa played younger brother Trevor for the Australians, while Trent Boult did his best Brian McKechnie impersonation as Tom Latham – aka Bruce Edgar – watched it unfold from the non-striker's end.

The original incident has been replayed countless times over the decades, so it was no surprise that the current players had little trouble acting out the incident.

"Always happy to try and recreate history," said Maxwell of the concept, which originated from the Australian camp and was happily accepted by the Black Caps and played out very much in the spirit with which it was intended.

"I'm a pretty big cricket nuffie and I remember watching the highlights of all the classic matches.

"I remember that one featuring pretty regularly. It was massive.

"A lot of the games we've played against New Zealand have ended in close finishes and the other night was a classic example of that.

"It's a rich history we have against each other and hopefully it continues."

Latham opted to take the safe route as Edgar, leaving out the classic two-fingered salute following the underarm ball that prevented the Kiwis having any chance to tie that classic match 36 years ago.

"No, you probably need to keep it PC these days," Latham reasoned with a laugh. "I might get in trouble for doing that."

Australia's series opener against New Zealand on Monday was another classic match – the margin of six runs was the same as the underarm match, while ironically it was Kane Williamson's underarmed direct hit run-out that sealed the outcome – and one source close to the action revealed the match was played in excellent spirits, without a single sledge uttered.

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That amicability might be put to the test in tomorrow's must-win clash for Australia, as they look to retain the Chappell-Hadlee trophy they took from the Black Caps just two months ago.

Whatever the case, however, there's little chance the contest will be settled with an underarm.