by Abhai Sawkar It’s been five years since the Proteas last visited New Zealand for Test matches. A lot has happened since then, and even that’s an understatement in itself. More recently, though, the Blackcaps have enjoyed greater success, topped off with a scintillating World Test Championship final win against India.
As much as New Zealand have the home advantage, it’s to be noted that the South Africans are coming over with plenty of momentum - they bounced back and stunned a very powerful India at home, and they most definitely have a spring in their step. Stringent COVID restrictions have forced both Test matches to be held at the same venue: Hagley Oval. In addition, South Africa have quite a dominant record against New Zealand in Test cricket, but the situation at hand is quite different to what it was last time around. Regardless, a well-matched contest awaits us. On that note, I decided to catch up with Blackcaps supporter Ben Krinkel, to get some pre-series insight from a NZ perspective. AS: First of all, let’s start with some general thoughts on the current situation for the Blackcaps, especially given the absence of Kane Williamson for the entire series and Trent Boult for the first Test. BK: Obviously very valid reasons for them to be absent, but frustrating from an NZ fans point of view given its our premier home series of the summer, hopefully boulty back for game 2! But yeah, Williamson is an enormous loss. AS: True, but then again Will Young’s done a decent job so far and Devon Conway is in great form. That leads me to my next question: heading into this series, what are you most looking forward to? BK: Without a doubt, I’m looking forward to the bowling attacks from both teams. The very bouncy Hagley wicket will definitely be suitable for the Blackcaps bowlers, especially Jamieson, and SA’s bowlers should also enjoy. AS: For the first Test, who’s in your proposed starting XI? BK: I think they will choose: Latham, Young, Conway, Mitchell, Nicholls, Blundell, De Grandhomme, Jamieson, Henry, Southee, Wagner. But personally I’d give Fletcher a Test debut in place of Blundell, especially given Blundell’s recent form with the bat. AS: What are your expectations in this series? For instance, is there anyone you feel who better start making progress quickly? And which players are you expecting the most from and why? BK: Well, I’m expecting a good series from the bowlers, specifically Jamieson and Marco Jansen to extract the extra bounce out of the wicket. It’s been very wet and rainy in NZ recently, so it should be a spicy, green wicket. Could be a tough series for the batters! Surely, NZ will break their run of losing the toss and finally win one. AS: Here’s to hoping that the bad weather will stay away. What are your takeaways from the previous Test series at home v Bangladesh and what do you feel the Blackcaps can do better this time around? BK: It was a poor series for NZ, the all-round effort was poor, and they needed to keep their front foot behind the line, especially Wagner. Conditions certainly favored Bangladesh, there was a heat wave over NZ at the time turning the pitch into a more subcontinent-like pitch and I feel the bowlers were too slow to adjust to those conditions. Bangladesh adapted quickly and enjoyed conditions like home and were way too good in Tauranga. But the Blackcaps were dominant back in familiar NZ conditions in Christchurch. AS: In what area(s) do you feel NZ has an advantage? And justify. BK: I’d have to say experience in Christchurch conditions will play a big part here. Latham, Nicholls, and Mitchell are all currently playing for Canterbury. Matt Henry also plays for Canterbury and KJ used to, so these guys are also very experienced at Hagley and bowl very well there. One of the bounciest grounds in the world AS: Last, but not least, is there anything about the Proteas you feel particularly wary about? And why? BK: IMO it’s a genuine 50:50 as to who will win this series (now that KW is out for the series and no boult for game. SA have a weaker batting line-up (who are going to have to leave the ball very well or struggle), but a very good bowling line-up, with some good pace which I’m really looking forwards to seeing from the likes of Rabada and Jansen, but to win they will have to field well and take their opportunities.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
July 2023
Categories |