Published: Mar 08, 2017, 01:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 07, 2017, 03:12 PM (IST)
Although South Africa ruled in the one-off T20I and ODI series, New Zealand enter the first Test of the three-match Test series with strong home record. The first Test will be held at University Oval in Dunedin. The live cricket streaming of the match will be officially available on OSN Play, Foxtel Go and SKY GO. As for the live telecast, it will be available on Sky Sport 1 in New Zealand, Fox Sports 2 in Australia, Supersport in South Africa, Sky Sports in United Kingdom (UK) and OSN Sports in the Middle East. As per the head-to-head records, New Zealand have won four Test matches against South Africa out of which two went in vain when a rare five-match Test series in 1962 ended in draw. Full Cricket Scorecard: New Zealand vs South Africa, 1st Test at Dunedin
However, South Africa hold the advantage over New Zealand in Tests both away as well as at home. But since South Africa last visited for a Test in 2012, New Zealand have lost just one series against Australia on home soil. The focus for both sides will be on their comeback bowlers Neil Wagner and Morne Morkel, who were confirmed for the first Test on Tuesday. Some players will also be under scrutiny.
New Zealand’s Tom Latham had a scary outing in the ODIs while South Africa’s JP Duminy as well as Temba Bavuma have not been at their best in the recent past. Likely XI for Kane Williamson and Faf du Plessis’ led-sides
With South Africa opting just for one specialist spinner, Keshav Maharaj might be included in the playing XI following his recent success in Tests.
New Zealand boasts of an unbeaten record at University Oval. On this note, the hosts will want to maintain the record and keep their best foot forward post a narrow defeat in the ODI series.
