The second Test Match against South Africa gets underway at 10:30am on Thursday and there’s a lot for Coach John Wright to consider.
An absorbing draw (excuse the oxymoron) in the first match in Dunedin was evidence that the BLACKCAPS were more than capable of containing the talented tourists. Like the rest of New Zealand, Wright was slightly relieved considering the outcome of the ODI series.
“We took quite a lot of confidence out of that game, particularly in view that we went into that Test having been thumped in the ODI series,” said Wright.
“It was a convincing batting performance particularly by Ross and Brendon in the second innings. We would have liked to have secured a couple more wickets early on in the second innings of South Africa.”
“We’ve got to concentrate on trying to take 20 wickets, which looks to be the real challenge.”
That’s not surprising considering the depth and experience that the Protea’s possess in their top six.
Who will be charged with the task of battling the likes of Kallis, Smith and Amla is somewhat of a mystery. With Southee not included for the last two Tests, an opportunity has arisen for one of four players currently in the squad - Tarun Nethula, Mark Gillespie, Brent Arnel and Andrew Ellis.
Wright says the final selection will come down to the pitch, something that may not be in Tarun Nethula’s favour.
“The wicket will play a little bit of a part in that. Each has its case. It’ll boil down to what the pitch looks like and who suits conditions best.
“Tarun’s done well. I don’t think it’s a raging turner, but if he doesn’t play he’ll be very useful in the nets.
“This is a good batting track. It’s probably going to be a little bit of a traditional wicket, in that you’re going to have to get the first couple of hours and then it will flatten out, particularly if the weather is fine.”
It seems likely that one of the seamers will get a run, but to who that will be Wright gave no clues.
Whoever gets the nod will be part of an exciting opportunity to beat this Proteas side. There may have been plenty of doubters before the first test, but the BLACKCAPS have shown that they are more than up for the challenge.
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