NZ v S.A: 1st test preview

[Tim]

NZ lineup (Averages):

M Richardson - 49
G Turner - 44
A Jones - 44
M Crowe - 45
C Dempster - 65
M Sinclair - 38
JR Reid - 33 / 33
C Cairns - 32 / 29
R Hadlee - 27 / 22
B Taylor - 20 / 26
S Bond - 17 / 24

S.A lineup (Averages):

G Smith - 58
H Gibbs - 44
R Pollock - 61
J Kallis - 48 / 28
A Nourse - 54
B Mitchell - 49
K Bland - 49
M Boucher - 31
S Pollock - 33 / 21
N Adcock - 21 (bowling)
A Donald - 22 (bowling)

Eden Park looks ideally suited for pace bowlers & its no coincedence that both sides have opted for pace bowlers in this test match. Both teams have world class quicks however South Africa it seems have the edge in that department & Hadlee will have to do alot of damage for the New Zealanders.

New Zealand's batting looks strong with Dempster averaging 65 at #5 & another key will be the fact that NZ bat all the way to 11..but with a South African side that boasts 3 players averaging 50+ & a few others in the high 40's NZ will have to score plenty of runs.

It is predicted that there will be a result in this test, and most likely NZ will have to wait for a chance later in the series to gain a victory because the Eden Park wicket looks well suited for the South Africans.

Key Players: CS Dempster & SM Pollock

 

[Simon]

I think you have got that pretty much spot on, i think NZ can win if their couple of stars really play well, but i think its more likely we will see an SA victory simply because they have more brilliant players that could win the match for them.
But i certainly wouldnt count NZ out if Dempster could get a big ton and Hadlee bowls like a champion, but unforunately for NZ that could be the case for every test they play.

 

[bugssy]

tim i think u hit it on the head, when i was picking my side there was a lot of deliberation with the side changing 4 or 5 times.

kirsten was left out to accomidate a 2nd keeper just incase of injury but a donald due to the pace of the wicket was given a chance with a very special bowler saved for when the wickets are slow and low.

should be a great series and good luck timbo


bugsy

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

South Africa look to have a strong side and New Zealand may find trouble in bowling them out. I think that this will be a good series, but will be overshadowed by the Ashes and Pakistan/India.

 

[Simon]

Liam i disagree, every team has great players, even sri lanka. All the series no matter who between will be fantastic. I doubt we will see a case of 1 series over shadowing another. theres only 4 series to pick from, its hard to chose the best of the lot.
Pakistan v India - need i say more!

Sri Lanka v Windies - I am keen to see just how much sri lanka compete. And not to mention the windies and their powerhouse side, im wondering how they are going to go against a side they should beat.

South Africa v New Zealand - two sides that wont win the tournament, but should compete well, my early diagnosis was safrica easy, but NZ have a real shot.

Aus v Eng - some of the great of cricket in this match. im wondering how australia will live up to the tag of favourites, and maybe england could get the upperhand in a series they are capable of winning.