Published: Mar 21, 2017, 01:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 21, 2017, 01:51 PM (IST)
Ahead of the third Test in Hamilton starting March 25, South Africa have released yet another player, Duanne Olivier, from their Test squad. Olivier made an impressive debut against Sri Lanka at Johannesburg where he ended with figures of 5 for 57 in South Africa’s victory by an innings. Olivier’s return leaves only one paceman in form of Wayne Parnell as back-up bowler to the present trio that consists of Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. During the second Test at Wellington, South Africa had released Chris Morris as Dane Piedt made his way to the squad bolstering the spin department. Olivier will have to wait at least until July when South Africa tour England to add to his maiden Test cap. Full Cricket Scorecard: New Zealand vs South Africa, 3rd Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton
Apart from Olivier’s impressive debut at Johannesburg, he has been in top-notch form in First-Class cricket as well, as reported on ESPNcricinfo. However, Morkel’s experience and his speedy recovery landed him a spot in the Test XI for the New Zealand series. South Africa had entered the series with six seamers and are now reduced to just four. Apart from South Africa, New Zealand are also keeping their best foot forward and have decided to go ahead with an unchanged side as Ross Taylor remains to be unfit for the final Test. However, the Kiwis are hopeful that their pacer Trent Boult is fit ahead of the final clash. New Zealand vs South Africa: Chris Morris released from Test squad; heads back home
The first Test that could have finished with a result was drawn due to rains while the second belonged to South Africa with Keshav Maharaj rattling the New Zealand batting line-up.
With the Hamilton pitch favouring the spinners, South Africa might have to play around with just three seamers, emphasising on their spin unit.
