Down Under, it's sports season.

As tennis greats Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams prepare to take part in the Australian Open, the New Zealanders next door are bracing for some hard-hitting cricket entertainment when the Kiwis take on the Shahid Afridi-led Pakistan side in a series of T20s and ODIs.

Pakistan's top tennis player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi is flying the country's flag at the Australian Open, and the star linked up with the cricket team after discovering he was in the same hotel as them in Auckland.

Before he heads to Australia, Aisam took a break from his tough training routine and instead joined the cricket team's practice session as they prepare to take on the world's most feared T20 side at present.

“I had the day to me so spent it like a mini-vacation,” said Aisam while talking to DawnNews.

“I am grateful to head coach Waqar Younis that he allowed me to join Pakistan team's practice session.”

The 35-year-old Aisam felt that the Pakistan cricket team looked in great shape to present a challenge to New Zealand.

“All the players looked like they were gelling and it was a very friendly atmosphere on the field with them. I wish them luck for the series,” said Aisam.