Published: Mar 15, 2017, 11:36 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 15, 2017, 11:36 PM (IST)
An injury-hit New Zealand will take on a dominant South Africa in the second Test at Wellington on Thursday. It is almost a fresh start to the series after the first Test bore no results. Both sides will try to make effective use of the opportunity and get a result from the two-Test series. New Zealand’s hopes have been dashed out without their experienced players in the side — Ross Taylor and Trent Boult — who are known to balance out the batting and bowling unit. With a green-top expected in Wellington, the playing XIs for both the sides may be worth some speculation. However, South Africa have hinted to go ahead with four seamers. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD, New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd Test at Wellington
New Zealand’s only confirmation so far is Tim Southee in place of injured Boult. Neil Broom will also be making his debut in place of injured Taylor. This could mean that there will be additional pressure on Kane Williamson in the middle-order. With Jeetan Patel’s recent success and place for just one spinner in place, New Zealand’s bowling unit is expected to see quite a few changes. Ahead of the big clash, let us have a look at the other key clashes that may light up Wellington:
Quinton de Kock vs Jeetan Patel: This duo has been an enjoyable clash in the series. Patel grabbed de Kock for the fourth consecutive time in this tour since his return to the side from the ODI series. De Kock will have to keep his best foot forward and see out Patel in the next game. The South African captain will also expect de Kock to play his natural game. Patel’s emergence as New Zealand’s premier spinner may once again be the key to success in the next match. NZ vs SA, 2nd Test at Wellington: Likely XI for both sides
Dean Elgar vs Neil Wagner: Elgar’s grit in both innings of first Test was crucial for South Africa. On the other hand, Wagner had an amazing outing in his home town Dunedin despite Boult’s injury. He rose to the occasion and ended with 5 wickets at the end of the match. Elgar was one of the victims, ultimately carrying their school-day rivalry ahead. Preview: Injury laden New Zealand eye win against in-form South Africa
Temba Bavuma vs Tim Southee: The spotlight will be on Bavuma, especially as he has not scored beyond 21 over the past 7 innings. With AB de Villiers set to make a comeback, it is a do-or-die situation for the little man. Meanwhile, Southee will be pleased to comeback in the longest format after being dropped in the first Test despite grabbing 28 wickets in the previous 5 matches. With both players having a point to prove in the coming match, this clash will grab eyeballs.
Kane Williamson vs Faf du Plessis: Williamson has been in top form, both as captain and premier batsman of the side. He scored his 16th Test century, coming on par with Taylor. With Taylor injured, Williamson even has the opportunity to level with Martin Crowe, who holds the New Zealand record with 17. While Faf has not batted that well of late, he has come leaps and bounds as captain.
