 After a tumultuous time in the limited over matches, New Zealand will be
battling to stage a comeback in the test matches when the first match starts on
Wednesday at Dunedin.
After a winning start in the T20 series, New Zealand slumped to not only concede
the T20 series, but also got whitewashed in the ODIs. Issues off the field also
failed to stay away as two players were found guilty of breaching the team's conduct.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs South Africa
Between those two, Jesse Ryder has failed to find a spot in the test
match squad owing to his poor form as well as consistent disciplinary issues.
However, Doug Bracewell managed to retain his place after being dropped from
the final ODI.
Bracewell is one of the rising talents and performed impressively on the Australian
tour last year. Injury concerns have also plagued the home side, with first-choice
wicket-keeper BJ Watling ruled out. It will result in South African-born Kruger
vab Wyk making his debut at the age of 32. Ross Taylor returns to lead
the team while Brendon McCullum will play as a specialist batsman.
South Africa have been in rich form ever since AB de Villiers took over
the captaincy duties. A clinical performance in the T20s and ODIs would also
undoubtedly give the team plenty of confidence going into the test match. The
squad has plenty of depth with the experience of Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla,
de Villiers, Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn. Smith faces a stiff challenge as
he looks to overcome the challenge posed by Kiwi pacer Chris Martin who
has dismissed him six times. Mark Boucher will be hoping to perform well to
push himself into contention for England tour that he has mentioned will be
his last in national colors.
The University Oval ground in Dunedin has hosted three matches, with the home
side winning two while their rain-affected match against West Indies ended in
a draw.
|
