The first Test between New Zealand and South Africa was unfortunately denied a thrilling finish as the rain washed out the final day in Dunedin which means that when the two sides meet in the second Test in Wellington on Thursday they will do so with the series still 0-0 with two matches to play.
Whoever wins at the Basin Reserve will secure a share of the series so there is all to play for in what should be another extremely competitive and compelling Test match much like the first one was.
New Zealand
You would have to say New Zealand did well to win the toss in Dunedin and they took full advantage of that initially but then they got sloppy and missed chances cost them the chance to really get South Africa under pressure. In both South Africa innings their bowlers were disciplined, tight and in control but they were always one major breakthrough away from really gaining control.
The positive for me though came with the bat where they performed very well as a unit. We knew the bowlers would go well in the conditions. That much was a given you would have to say but against a really good bowling attack it wasn’t so certain that New Zealand would bat well. If they can bat well again they are right in the series.
South Africa
Although they were denied the chance to push for a victory on the final day in Dunedin I think Faf du Plessis will have been pleased with his side in that first Test. They were in a bit of a whole early on when the toss went against them but they battled to a very acceptable score and then kept themselves in the match and slightly ahead of it throughout.
Dean Elgar was a revelation in that opening match and South Africa will hope that he continues his good form but much as with New Zealand the Proteas’ bowlers performed very well as we expected them too. There are still one or two concerns in the batting for the tourists but in the main they will fancy their chances here.
Team News
New Zealand will be forced into a couple of changes after Ross Taylor and Trent Boult were ruled out of the match. Neil Broom is set to replace Taylor while Tim Southee is expected to come in for Boult.
South Africa are expected to be unchanged although there is talk of possibly playing another bowler. That isn’t a combination they have gone with under Faf du Plessis’ captaincy so I’m taking that with a pinch of salt.
Basin Reserve
This is a beautiful ground for Test cricket but it isn’t necessarily the best one for the home side. New Zealand have played in all 59 Test matches here but have only won 17 with 19 losses and 23 draws. Worse still for the home side, South Africa are undefeated in their six matches on this ground with four of those ending in wins.
I always think this is one of the best cricket wickets in the game. The wicket can be good for batting for large periods but the bowlers are in play at the beginning of the match and at the end of it.
Betting
Both sides impressed me in the first Test but the injuries that New Zealand have suffered makes me think that South Africa are the best placed to win this match. We don’t really need to worry about the wicket as far as they are concerned because they have an attack for most conditions.
I’ve had my concerns over New Zealand’s batting for a while now and Ross Taylor’s absence certainly doesn’t arrest those worries. There are no real problems with South Africa’s batting so I’m on the visitors to take the win here.
Tips
WON – Back South Africa to win 2nd Test for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Coral
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