T20 cricket has managed to score over Tests once again, as the visiting South African side fielded as many as six debutants in their playing XI, for the first Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui. The Proteas are sans their regular skipper and players, who are currently taking part in the SA20.
That means debutant Neil Brand is leading the side, along with five others who are playing their first match for the country — Edward Moore, Raynard van Tonder, Tshepo Moreki, Ruan de Swardt, and Clyde Fortuin.
Duanne Oliver is the most experienced player in the team with 15 Tests to his name, while Dane Paterson will lead the bowling attack. The former has 59 wickets to his name, which is the highest in their squad at the moment.
Williamson Optimistic in 1st New Zealand vs South Africa Test
But former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson made it clear, that it will still be a tough match against a side, that has many experienced first-class players. “For us, we just want to focus on the cricket that we want to play and the plans that we have and that doesn’t change from opposition to opposition,” he said.
“So we are under no illusions that it is going to be a tough contest for sure. They are all very good players and we just want to keep bringing the focus back to our cricket.”
“Any win anywhere is crucial,” Williamson said. “That’s why it is difficult to micro-manage a Test Championship campaign . . . it’s such a long period and the games can come a bit sporadically.”
South Africa XI: Neil Brand (capt), Edward Moore, Raynard van Tonder, Zubayr Hamza, David Bedingham, Keegan Peterson, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin (wk), Duanne Olivier, Tshepo Moreki, Dane Paterson
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