Green wicket crucial for New Zealand-South Africa first Test. Cricket News – Times of India

Christchurch: New Zealand and South Africa are focusing on the infamous green Hagley Oval wicket as they battle battle plans for the first Test starting in Christchurch on Thursday.
New Zealand are desperate for a first series win against South Africa and to prove that they can put together a winning combination despite their lack of experience in 273 Test matches. Ross Taylor (Retired), Kane Williamson (injured) and Trent Boult (paternity leave).
South Africa are thirsty to raise both their world rankings (fifth) and consolidate their World Test Championship if they reach second place in the two-Test series.

But the main thing for the captains of New Zealand Tom Latham and the South African equivalent Dean Algary The lush Hagley Oval surface had a bowl-first reputation on Wednesday.
This will be South Africa’s first match on the Christchurch Strip where both Tests of the series will be played.
New Zealand have a remarkable record of seven wins, one loss and one draw for a wicket that always seems to suit their swing and seam attack.
“It presents opportunities to score runs, but also opportunities for bowlers to have a little bit of pace and bounce and a little assist from the wicket,” said New Zealand captain Latham.

“We’ve played some really good Cricket At home for a long time now and I know that if we can adapt to the wicket, adapt to the surface, hopefully we will give ourselves a good chance to be on the right side. ,
New Zealand rose to a higher level in Tests after beating Bangladesh by an innings and eight wickets at the same ground a month ago and Latham said they were focusing on their poor record against South Africa, which they played in 45 Tests. Only defeated four times.
South Africa’s preparation for dealing with the conditions at the Hagley Oval has been done very carefully, deciding the best time to score runs.
Elgar said, “Sometimes you get swayed when you see green grass. You can’t execute your skill or the line and length because you think the grass is going to do everything.”
“From a batting point of view we have to be very strong in our defense and strong in our leave and we have to set up our batting innings so that we can score runs later in the afternoon.
“From what I have experienced in the nets, we have found that it has been a very good competition between bat and ball.”
Like New Zealand, South Africa do not have key players with Keegan Pietersen (Covid-19) and Enrique Nortje (injured).
Elgar indicated that Searle is in line to replace Irvi Pietersen, who is batting at number three for his Test debut, while ensuring adequate cover for Nortje has six fast bowlers in his squad, including Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jensen are likely to lead the attack. ,