5 things to watch out for in the First Test against South Africa
Life in the pitch
Although it’s not the Durban green mamba of yesteryear, expect the Kingsmead pitch to have far more life than the Bulawayo billiard boards. We’re expecting pace, bounce, swing and seam. HALLELUJAH
Castle Corner
An unmistakable corner of the ground which boasts a large beer tent and plenty of afternoon enjoyment. Lookout on the weekend if you’re a Kiwi fielder on the fences there will undoubtedly be some friendly words of advice from the famed corner of Kingsmead.
Battle of the bats
Williamson and Taylor. Amla and du Plessis. Both sides have some of the best batsmen in the world, who will lead the series? Williamson and Taylor come in fresh off a pile of runs but every cricket fan knows class permanent and the South African duo will be keen to hit back.
Winter Test cricket
It’s a step into the unknown this Test. The first time a five-day fixture has been played this early in the year – the middle of a South African winter. The pitch looks a little “tacky” in the words of Kane Williamson and it seems anyone’s guess how it will play. There’s no history to look back on for Tests this early in the year so adapting to the conditions will be the key!
Need for speed
They may be without the tall timber of Morne Morkel but South Africa’s pace bowling stocks are still the envy of world cricket. With spearheads Dale Steyn and new star Kagiso Rabada being backed up by Venron Philander and possibly Chris Morris, the hosts seam attack is formidable. However, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner are also a unit to be reckoned with and add in the possibility of Doug Bracewell – the battle of the quicks looms as a crucial battle in the two Test war.
