New Zealand eye history in second Test against South Africa

Overview

New Zealand vs South Africa, second Test
Hagley Oval, Christchurch
February 28 to March 1, 11:00 local

With a chance of making history, having never previously won a Test series against South Africa, New Zealand will feel quietly confident about their chances heading into the second match at the same venue. Their pacers were on fire in helpful conditions in the first match while their batters also looked largely untroubled against a South African pace attack that failed to consistently hit a threatening line and length.

With a complete performance in the first Test, skipper Tom Latham is unlikely to make any changes to the XI despite the availability of Trent Boult. His replacement in the first Test, Matt Henry, made all the difference. Another victory will also be crucial for them to climb up the charts in the ICC World Test Championship table.

After their brilliant series victory at home against India, South Africa were expected to provide a stern test to New Zealand away from home. But they looked largely undercooked in the first match and will hope that a better understanding of the conditions will lead to a jump in their performances.

Their entire batting unit is under scrutiny after its failure in the first Test, and the bowlers struggled as well once the conditions flattened out. That means the management could look to make a couple of changes and draft in Wiaan Mulder as an all-rounder, while batter Aiden Markram could also be taken out of the firing line.

Remember the last time

On a green track in Christchurch, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham called right at the toss and put the visitors in to bat first. The decision was justified as Matt Henry wreaked havoc, ending with career-best figures of 7/23 to dismantle South Africa. The Proteas could only post a total of 95 all out and would now require a big effort from their bowlers.

The pacers, unfortunately, could not deliver breakthroughs at regular intervals, as the Black Caps piled on the runs. A brilliant century from Henry Nicholls (105) and Tom Blundell's 95 helped them to a massive 482. Henry, the destroyer-in-chief with the ball, also chipped in with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 58.

The visitors once again failed with the bat in the second innings, skittled out for 111. They lost the contest by an innings and 276 runs. Only Temba Bavuma (41) display an ability to survive against New Zealand's excellent attack. Tim Southee, with figures of 5/35, was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts.

What they said

Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand bowler): "One of the key things we try and do each game is pass the baton on. It is about bowling in partnerships, how we can build pressure through different plans and ends, understanding our roles. We always talk about how do we take 20 wickets. And whether some guy takes 15 of them it does not really matter a huge amount. It is about us trying to take 20 wickets and trying to find the best way of doing that."

Sarel Erwee (South Africa opener): "We’re in a position where you know your back is against the wall and the only way to get through it is to fight, put your foot forward and throw the first punch. It’s not ideal that we started slow, but you will see a different energy and a different side this coming Test."