One final game of the home summer and there's plenty riding on it.
South Africa's had the slight edge on the BLACKCAPS throughout their entertaining tour and Saturday's third and final ANZ Test at Seddon Park sees the hosts desperate for a victory to square the series.
Here's five things to keep an eye on.
Bounce back
Batting coach Craig McMillan summed it up best following the stinging second Test loss in Wellington.
"To lose within three days is unacceptable so the group's hurting, and it's disappointing but something we have to acknowledge ... However it's important to remember, while yesterday wasn't good, it's only just over a week ago that we performed pretty well in that first Test ... We need to get back to that standard and bounce back quickly for Hamilton." - Preach Craig 🙌
King Henry
This young man's maiden Test century in the first innings at the Basin Reserve was pure class and vindicated the selectors' faith in him. The 25-year-old's knock showed all the steel and resolve that the BLACKCAPS will need to turn things around.
Hamilton turner
There's talk of a spin-friendly Seddon Park track which will be on the turning Waikari clay side of the block. This could see the return of Mitchell Santner to the Xl to partner Jeetan Patel in a BLACKCAPS spinning combo who performed admirably in Dunedin. South Africa may also look to bring in a second specialist spinner in Dane Piedt who's been flown in for the final Test with a dry pitch expected.
Bring back Boult
BLACKCAPS selector Gavin Larsen is confident star pace bowler Trent Boult will be on the park for day one of the final Test. The left arm spear-head sat out the second Test with upper leg pain, but has returned to bowling and would be a welcome return to lead the attack. He claimed 4-64 in the first innings in Dunedin and is at the top of his game at the moment.
Encouraging signs
Rookie Test opener Jeet Raval has looked assured at the top of the order in his six Test career to date. He already has four half centuries under his belt including two in this series and with a healthy average of 40, he'll be looking to kick onto his first set of three figures in Hamilton. A technician at the top - a pleasure to watch.
