Published: Jan 11, 2013, 01:36 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 11, 2013, 01:36 PM (IST)
New Zealand are unlikely to encounter conditions as bowler-friendly as they were on the first day against South Africa at Newlands © Getty Images
Port Elizabeth: Jan 11, 2013
South Africa won toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in the second Test match at Port Elizabeth on Friday.
New Zealand will look to return to winning ways after losing the first Test at Cape Town by an innings and 45 runs.
The St George’s Park pitch has traditionally had less pace and bounce than other Test venues in South Africa, although much could depend on the amount of grass left on the surface – and which way the wind is blowing.
An easterly wind off the sea tends to favour swing and seam bowling, while a westerly from inland usually means good batting conditions.
South Africa will again start as hot favourites. All of their top five batsmen are ranked inside the first 20 on the latest ICC ranking list, whereas the highest-placed New Zealander in the tour party is captain Brendon McCullum at 25.
Despite the absence of second-ranked Vernon Philander, South Africa have the number one bowler in Dale Steyn, while Morne Morkel is in eighth place. Chris Martin, at 16, is the best of the New Zealanders.
Teams:
South Africa: Graeme Smith (c), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wk), Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Rory Kleinveldt, Morne Morkel.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (c), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Dean Brownlie, Daniel Flynn, BJ Watling (wk), Colin Munro, Doug Bracewell, Jeetan Patel, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner.
