All the elements that went into the Black Caps’ commanding 281-run victory in the first test at Mount Maunganui last week are still in effect this week.
The most significant of these is the enormous experience differential between the two teams as a result of South Africa Cricket’s decision to send a depleted squad and give priority to their immensely profitable Twenty20 league.
Tim Southee, the captain of New Zealand, has steadfastly declined to acknowledge the possibility that his side might make some history this week, claiming that the idea hasn’t even been broached in camp.
We clearly had a fantastic week before to this one. He told reporters on Monday, “And like every test match, our focus has been on our preparation over the last couple of days.” “Who you play for or the type of Test match doesn’t matter.”
However, due to a foot injury, Daryl Mitchell will miss both the match and the ensuing Twenty20 series against Australia, meaning there will be changes to the home team.
He will be replaced in the middle of the batting order by Will Young, and Will O’Rourke, a rangy pacer, was included.
The 22-year-old’s skills, according to Southee, who will announce his team at the toss, are “his height and his ability to extract bounce.” “I’m sure he will flourish and have a long career at this level because he has the tools to be a very, very good bowler.”
Neil Brand, the captain of South Africa, announced that his team would also be making changes, most likely to the bowling department. Brand made his Test debut last week alongside several of his teammates.
Brand was adamant that the Proteas wouldn’t be the first South African team to lose a series to New Zealand and felt that they weren’t “miles off” in the opening Test.
He declared, “We really want to leave with something.”
