New Zealand vs South Africa, 1st Test: Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

After a successful campaign against India, the South African side is all set to take on the World Test champions New Zealand in the first of two Tests at the Hagley Oval ground in Christchurch. The Dean Elgar-led side has shown a massive rise in terms of their squad depth and is no longer in the rebuilding phase. Proteas have maintained an excellent record against the Kiwis in the longer format especially and will be looking to continue the good run of form from the series win against India.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand side has some big shoes to fill in as the absence of Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson have to be dealt in. The side is set to be captained by Tom Latham and the hosts have not been able to win their last two-Test series against India and Bangladesh which will be a thorn in their confidence. A lot of new faces might get a look in and one can never count them out of the equation despite the experience heads missing out.

Pitch and Conditions

The Hagley Oval pitch has been a paradise for the batters while the fast bowlers will have more of a say than the spinners in the wicket considering the bounce and quickness. The team winning the toss will be looking to bat first and a big score on board will add a lot of pressure on the opponent as well. However, live grass on the surface also helps the bowlers for the major part of the first day and bowling first won’t be a bad idea either.

Playing Combinations for NZ vs SA

New Zealand

New Zealand will be missing the services of Kane Williamson for the series due to injury concerns while Ross Taylor has retired after the previous series which means, the likes of Daryl Mitchell will get a chance with the bat. Conway has been in the form of his life at the top and Young who impressed against India will partner Latham at the top. De Grandhomme slots into the all-rounder role while Matt Henry replaces Trent Boult who is out with paternal duties.

Predicted XI:

Tom Latham(c), Will Young, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(wk), Colin De Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry

South Africa

South Africa are likely to play the same team that won against India in the second and third Test with one forced change of Keegan Petersen being replaced by Sarel Erwee at number three. This will be the first big challenge for most of the players in overseas conditions and it will be interesting to see how they go about their business. A stellar batting effort against India had laid the outline for the Proteas in terms of approaching another Test series win in New Zealand.

Predicted XI:

Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar(c), Sarel Erwee, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreyne(wk), Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier

New Zealand vs South Africa Head to Head

Overall games – 45, South Africa -25, New Zealand – 4, Drawn -16

New Zealand vs South Africa Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 3:30 AM IST and 11:00 AM local time

TV – not available in India

Live Streaming – Amazon Prime Video