The Australians opened the tour with first-class matches against the four Plunket Shield teams, winning all by large margins, three of them by an innings.

[7][8][9] Cricket during World War II had been severely limited in both countries, although an Australian Services team, captained by Lindsay Hassett, had played a series of "Victory Tests" during the 1945 English season.

[12] Australia's best batsman and usual captain Don Bradman declined to tour, having suffered from regular bouts of fibrositis.

[13] Queensland batsman Bill Brown was selected as captain in his place, although Lindsay Hassett had also been suggested for the position.

[14] New Zealand was skippered by Otago batsman Walter Hadlee, with pre-war captain Curly Page having retired.