NZ vs SA 1st Test LIVE: New Zealand will be up for a big challenge as they face South Africa in a two match Test series, with the first Test beginning at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch on 17th February, Thursday. South Africa is a team that has an impeccable record in New Zealand having dominated the Blackcaps at their own backyard over the years, losing only a solitary Test match. Dean Elgar’s men are vying to extend their streak against the Kiwis while Tom Latham hopes to become the first New Zealand skipper to clinch a series victory against the Proteas. Follow NZ vs SA Test Series Live updates InsideSport.IN
NZ vs SA 1st Test LIVE: New Zealand look to win first-ever Test series against South Africa at home – Follow LIVE updates
Test cricket in @Christchurch_NZ. The @ANZ_NZ Test Series against @OfficialCSA starts on Thursday at Hagley Oval. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/Rm5t4xgj9d
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 15, 2022
For the first time since 14 years, New Zealand will be playing a Test match without either Kane Williamson or Ross Taylor in the playing XI. Williamson and Taylor, the highest-run scorers for the Kiwis in Tests has been quintessential players in the middle-order over the years. With Ross Taylor having bid farewell from international cricket last month and Williamson nursing an injury to his elbow, New Zealand will have a new-look middle order.
With opener Hamish Rutherford being recalled into the side, New Zealand now have an option to make Will Young play in the middle order. If Rutherford is not preferred for the first Test, then they might give Test debut to Cam Fletcher who has been Canterbury’s highest run-scorer in the ongoing Plunket Shield.
Also Read: NZ vs SA LIVE: No Williamson, Taylor as New Zealand aim to break South Africa drought
New Zealand pace bowling line-up will comprise the trio of Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner. Trent Boult misses the series as he is awaiting the birth of his child. Matt Henry has come in to the squad as Boult’s replacement. Pacer Blair Tickner has also earned his maiden call-up to the Test side. The squad also has a lone spinner in Rachin Ravindra and neither Mitchell Santner nor Ajaz Patel made a return to the side.
Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner have earned their maiden Test call-ups, while Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Rutherford have been recalled as part of an extended BLACKCAPS squad for the first ANZ Test against @OfficialCSA. More | https://t.co/CDiF5RzdTK #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/PDckfGQfxp
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 7, 2022
Meanwhile the visitors South Africa enters the series after clinching a brilliant series victory against an Indian team that has been dominating in overseas conditions in the last few years. The team led by Dean Elgar will have confidence on their side and will look to extend their good run in New Zealand. Proteas major strength lies in their pace attack that comprises the quartet – Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier and Marco Jansen. Jansen, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in his debut series against India could trouble the Kiwi batsmen with his pace and bounce that he could generate from his 6 foot 8 inches frame.
The #Proteas enjoyed their first full practice since their arrival in New Zealand 🇿🇦 💚 #NZvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/BVizGXwXQ0
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 10, 2022
In the batting department they will be without the services of Keegan Petersen who bagged the man of the series award against India. He has been ruled out due to covid and either Sarel Erwee, who is yet to make his Test debut or Zubayr Hamza will replace him. In terms of spinners, off-spinner Simon Harmer makes his return to the Test side after 2015 he will partner Keshav Maharaj. Aiden Markram, who has not been in a great touch during the series against India will need to get back to form.
This series holds significance as it is part of the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. South Africa currently sit fourth in the standings while New Zealand lie in sixth position. While South Africa has had a terrific record in New Zealand, the Kiwis have been unbeaten in their last nine series at home and will look to extend the streak against the Proteas.
Where will New Zealand vs South Africa Series take place?
New Zealand vs South Africa Series will take place in India from 17th February.
When will NZ vs SA 1st Test Start? – Date
NZ vs SA 1st Test series will start on 17th February 2022.
What Time does NZ vs SA 1st Test begin? – Time
NZ vs SA 1st Test Will begin at 3:30 AM IST.
What are the venues for NZ vs SA 1st Test? – Venue
NZ vs SA 1st Test will be played in New Zealand Hagley Oval.
NZ vs SA 1st Test LIVE: New Zealand look to win first-ever Test series against South Africa at home – Follow LIVE updates
Where to watch NZ vs SA 1st Test match LIVE?
The series will be telecasted live at Spark Sport, which is the host broadcaster. Supersport will air the series in South Africa. Fans from India can watch it live at Amazon Prime Video.
When to watch NZ vs SA 1st Test match LIVE?
The first Test will be played from February 17 to February 21 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. It is scheduled to begin at 11am local time. Fans in India can watch it live from 3 pm IST.
SQUADS:
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma, Sarel Erwee, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne
NZ vs SA 1st Test LIVE: New Zealand look to win first-ever Test series against South Africa at home – Follow LIVE updates
