*Official* 2024 South Africa tour of New Zealand: 2 tests

[StephenZA]

I think you ask 10 guys and there top 6/7 would all be different. Think it just shows you how open the fight is for test batting spots.

What I will say is, no South African has scored more FC runs or 100s than Rickelton in the last 3 years. He feels the only truly dominant FC player at the moment we have.

Yeah. I'm actually a fan of Rickelton as keeper. Or possibly playing 6 with Verryenne at 7. And the batting is very open, and any of these players could make the first team. In many ways this is their ultimate opportunity to force their way in. As you've already said.

 

[StephenZA]

And I can't believe they started with Olivier. Patterson deserved the new ball.

 

[thierry henry]

Paterson has a really big head that makes him look like a large dwarf (unfortunately that’s exactly how I’m built)

 

[BazBall21]

Nothing in this wicket and the bowler with the most credentials is sending down mid-120s.

350-2 stumps.

 

[BazBall21]

Moreki has bowled quite well in his first spell

 

[BazBall21]

Just remembered Daryl Mitchell will be batting on this pitch against this attack. Dear god.

 

[NZTailender]

Just remembered Daryl Mitchell will be batting on this pitch against this attack. Dear god.

Looking forward to Phillips on this deck tbh

 

[Howsie]

Geez South Africa what the hell is this rubbish. New Zealand should post 600 here.

 

[Bahnz]

I actually don't think they've been bad at all. Having said that, life will get very tough for them once the pitch dries out.

 

[jcas0167]

Williamson doppleganger playing for SA?

 

[NZTailender]

I actually don't think they've been bad at all. Having said that, life will get very tough for them once the pitch dries out.

Yeah they haven't bowled terribly but it's just lacking any threat at this stage.

Can see Latham throwing his wicket away out of nowhere tho

 

[BazBall21]

Kane just doesn't give it away. Obviously has the super tight technique and plays nearly everything on merit. If the bowling is a bit meh and/or the pitch is a bit dead, you just feel miles from his wicket. Near remorseless when a big score is there for the taking.

 

[Skyliner]

Yeah they haven't bowled terribly but it's just lacking any threat at this stage.

Can see Latham throwing his wicket away out of nowhere tho

Yes. It’s on the cards.

 

[NZTailender]

I can see Latham throwing his wicket away out of nowhere tho

 

[Skyliner]

Williamson doppleganger playing for SA?

View attachment 38993

There’s a GP doppelganger as well.

 

[BazBall21]

Fancied Latham to blow it. Thought Daryl would be at 4 though? More solid technique than Ravindra.

 

[Gnske]

Rachin shouldn't make old men run like that

 

[NZTailender]

Gen X generally are to blame for giving their kids unique names but imo the South Afrikaners started it

 

[Meridio]

Yeah South Africa not bowling badly at all. Good lines and lengths and haven't served up many freebies. They do lack pace though and there's not a lot in the pitch so as the shine wears off the ball they could struggle - think they'll look to bowl dry and play on the batsmen's patience.

Jeez Kane clearly not moving at 100%, was an easy single there but he was well down in pace and would've been out

 

[NZTailender]

Fancied Latham to blow it. Thought Daryl would be at 4 though? More solid technique than Ravindra.

I'm of two minds. Mitchell has been a lock at number 5 and good security. Number 4 has been the position up for grabs with question marks over Nicholls. I guess there's a line of thinking that Ravindra would come into the side much like Kane who batted 6 before moving to number 3. I don't mind it through.