Christchurch: New Zealand Enter unfamiliar territory when the first Test against South Africa Starting Thursday in Christchurch without the great batsmen Ross Taylor And Kane Williamson,
It’s been 14 years since the hosts started Tests without either Taylor or Williamson – their top two all-time Test run scorers – and they have the added burden of trying to win a series against South Africa for the first time.
Taylor retired last month and Williamson was injured, leaving the Black Caps without the pair’s stabilizing effect against a dynamic Proteas pace attack.
South Africa rose to a higher level after securing two Test and one-day series victories at home against India.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead admitted that his team will face a tough challenge in the two-Test series. “They are clearly a quality side, capable of beating India in South Africa,” he said.
“They have classy players and while they lack some experience, you certainly can’t underestimate them.”
New Zealand is also without a fast bowler Trent BoultMatt Henry is coming in his place as a child awaits the birth.
Batsman Devon Conway and fast bowler Neil Wagner were both born and raised in South Africa and Stead said they would love to play the Proteas.
“From our point of view they are now true-blue kiwis, even though they sometimes have a slight accent,” he said.
“They are working hard for ‘Silver Fern’ but I think it will be exciting for them to play against South Africa as well.”
The inaugural World Test champions begin the series as favourites, second in the ICC Test Rankings, with South Africa in fifth.
But they have never won a Test series against South Africa and registered only one home win over the Proteas in 20 attempts.
Former Black Caps Captain Brendon McCullum South Africa under captain said Dean Algary “Tough, gritty, they don’t give you an inch”.
“I think it will be a ripper series, I am predicting it may be 1-1 but I am really making South Africa a little favourite,” he added.
“Given how well New Zealand has been doing over the past few years, it’s going to be very tough.”
Elgar was wary of New Zealand’s threat on a quick wicket at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, but said the India series showed South Africa could cope with the pace.
“With respect, the pace of New Zealand’s attack is a bit low compared to the Indian attack,” he said.
“Having said that, they execute their skills perfectly in their circumstances.”
It’s been 14 years since the hosts started Tests without either Taylor or Williamson – their top two all-time Test run scorers – and they have the added burden of trying to win a series against South Africa for the first time.
Taylor retired last month and Williamson was injured, leaving the Black Caps without the pair’s stabilizing effect against a dynamic Proteas pace attack.
South Africa rose to a higher level after securing two Test and one-day series victories at home against India.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead admitted that his team will face a tough challenge in the two-Test series. “They are clearly a quality side, capable of beating India in South Africa,” he said.
“They have classy players and while they lack some experience, you certainly can’t underestimate them.”
New Zealand is also without a fast bowler Trent BoultMatt Henry is coming in his place as a child awaits the birth.
Batsman Devon Conway and fast bowler Neil Wagner were both born and raised in South Africa and Stead said they would love to play the Proteas.
“From our point of view they are now true-blue kiwis, even though they sometimes have a slight accent,” he said.
“They are working hard for ‘Silver Fern’ but I think it will be exciting for them to play against South Africa as well.”
The inaugural World Test champions begin the series as favourites, second in the ICC Test Rankings, with South Africa in fifth.
But they have never won a Test series against South Africa and registered only one home win over the Proteas in 20 attempts.
Former Black Caps Captain Brendon McCullum South Africa under captain said Dean Algary “Tough, gritty, they don’t give you an inch”.
“I think it will be a ripper series, I am predicting it may be 1-1 but I am really making South Africa a little favourite,” he added.
“Given how well New Zealand has been doing over the past few years, it’s going to be very tough.”
Elgar was wary of New Zealand’s threat on a quick wicket at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, but said the India series showed South Africa could cope with the pace.
“With respect, the pace of New Zealand’s attack is a bit low compared to the Indian attack,” he said.
“Having said that, they execute their skills perfectly in their circumstances.”
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