Bay of Plenty seamer Trent Boult can't wait to rip into the Sri Lankans when he returns to the Black Caps attack for today's fifth and final ODI in Mt Maunganui.

Boult's return couldn't have come at a better time with fellow pace ace Tim Southee ruled out due to a foot injury.

Trent Boult. Photo: File.

"It's nice to get home firstly to enjoy the Christmas break and stuff like that. I did manage to get a couple of bowls in here and I'm itching to go," the left-armer says.

After playing five tests in a row, Boult was rested for the first four ODIs against Sri Lanka but is set to return for the series finale at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui.

After being outplayed in the first two games, Sri Lanka can level the series at 2-2 with victory on Tuesday.

But Boult says the Black Caps are primed for a big performance.

"We always knew that they were going to come back strongly and they're in a good position now. It's going to be a big game for us."

He says it's a chance for players to make their mark before the Twenty-20 gets underway on Sunday at Eden Park.

'It's going to be a big game for us and we're all looking forward to it.

The game gets underway at 11am today at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui and is live on Sky Sport.

People gearing up for an action-packed ODI at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. These guys have come prepared with their very own cardboard batting helmets. Photos: Bruce Barnard.