The Proteas play the BLACKCAPS in a three match ANZ ODI Series in Tauranga and Hamilton that put two World Cup would-bes head to head in (very) early season action - here's ten reasons the series will be a stormer.
Jockeying for ICC Cricket World Cup batting places is well underway
We're a good four months away from the CWC opener v Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval on Valentine's Day, but the pressure for places on the team bus already. With Ross Taylor out for the ANZ ODI Series and Kane Williamson under an cloud for the first rubber, the way has opened for Tom Latham and Dean Brownlie to return to the national limited overs scene. The series is Latham's chance to become an ODI and Test regular, while Brownlie will be keen to stay ahead of the likes of Colin Munro and Hamish Rutherford in the pecking order. There's obviously competition for opener's spots, and we may well see Jimmy Neesham given a run at the top of the order in this series.
Jockeying for ICC Cricket World Cup bowling places is well underway
As for the bowlers, the problem of fitting Tim Southee, Kyle Mills, Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Adam Milne into the squad is about to heat up - that's not to mention the competition for spinning places between Dan Vettori and Nathan McCullum - or can they both fit in? We're about to get some answers.
You'll see a piece of history as the BLACKCAPS play at Bay Oval for the first time
Bay Oval has been a fixture in the Northern Knights line up of grounds for some time, attracting large crowds particularly over the holiday period, when Mount Maunganui becomes little Auckland / Hamilton. The venue has had significant investment to bring it to international standard, and it hosted several games in last summer's ICC CWC Qualifying Tournament between the likes of the Netherlands, UAE and Nepal, and several Afghanistan games in the past few weeks. A ground with a reputation for great pitches and good old grass banks for fans, Bay Oval will welcome the BLACKCAPS for the first time on Tuesday and Friday - can't wait!
South Africa will be tough
Dale Steyn. Hashim Amla. AB de Villiers. Morne Morkel. Do we need to go on? The Proteas have brought all the big guns to New Zealand, an indication of how important this series is to their World Cup preparation. While their players are a fixture at the top of the ICC rankings, they are in rebuilding mode with the recent retirements of Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis. The team are keen to get a look at the conditions here (albeit very early in the season), and face a team skipper AB de Villiers calls one of the World Cup favourites. Seeing the BLACKCAPS go up against a strong side like this will be a real treat for fans this week.
Dan Vettori is back
Vettori, who made his debut for the BLACKCAPS way back in 1997, is back in the frame for the first time since last season's ICC Champions Trophy. After a frustrating run of injuries that saw him give up an NZC contract in order to get himself right, Vettori is in better shape than ever after a solid off-season's training with BLACKCAPS strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson. While his recent cricket has been limited to the Caribbean Premier League, he's determined to make a run at another World Cup campaign, and the winter's hard work has given him the best chance. Seeing how he measures up against one of the strongest teams in the world will be one of the real talking points of this series.
The Alternative Commentary Collective are on board
A group of men in white suits normally suggests pool hustlers or the Kentucky Derby, but in this case it's a group of cricket commentators, offering a 'fresh' take on the art from a caravan with a solid C food safety rating. The chaps made their debut during last summer's ANZ ODI series v India and (we're assured) they've spent the winter working on their work-ons. It's great fun for those with a strong stomach - have a listen at I Heart Radio and check out their new website to meet the team.
This is the earliest the BLACKCAPS have played in the season
Ever. By some margin. This ANZ ODI Series has a unique feel to it with the October start and the new Bay Oval venue alongside Seddon Park. How will the pitches play, and will the early-season atmosphere make the ball move in the air? It's going to be something new for everyone and the team that adapts quickest will have the advantage.
The chaps are going to look great
The new Canterbury of New Zealand 2014/15 kit makes its debut in this series - it's a sharp looking kit with the cyan and blue fern on the back that's going to look fab on the field. That's not to mention the high-tech lightweight moisture wicking construction that will keen the chaps cool and comfortable on the field.
There's some super deals on ticketing
You can save up to 35% on all tickets right up until the first ball is bowled with blackcaps.co.nz/priorityticketing, with junior tickets $5 online and at the gate.
There's plenty of ways to keep up with the play
All the ANZ ODI Series matches are live on SKY Sport, with radio coverage on Radio Sport. There will be live scoring at blackcaps.co.nz and on the NZC app, as well as updates and pics with @BLACKCAPS on Twitter.
