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

[Flem274*]

Missed watching Brand bat but he looks a solid bowling option. If opening doesn't work out could he be a #5 or #6?

 

[SeamUp]

Missed watching Brand bat but he looks a solid bowling option. If opening doesn't work out could he be a #5 or #6?

He may have batted 3 if not opening but just think he isn't good enough. Looks pretty when in though. Gives me Stiaan van Zyl or Dawid Malan vibes in the stroke play.

 

[StephenZA]

Missed watching Brand bat but he looks a solid bowling option. If opening doesn't work out could he be a #5 or #6?

We not looking for extra bowling options... maybe for subcontinent extra spinner. He and Markram can become twin spins.

 

[Hurricane2]

The difference in class showed at the end. NZ way too good for this side. Kane is a joy to watch and Rachin is a gun.

I may get laughed at but there is not as big a gulf between these sides as the scoreboard ending up showing. Had SA held all its catches then probably NZ only makes 250 to 350 in its first inning which would have alleviated the scoreboard pressure on SA then maybe SA might have made more in its first inning.. The real abysmal part of SAs play was the fielding. It was attrocious and I think I would drop some of the key culprits if I were the coach to set some standards of what is acceptable and wasn't isn't acceptable.

 

[Shri]

 

[SeamUp]

Love the great test batsman when they get to 32+ and just beast mode it. No shits or nerves going to the crease as they've done it so many times before.

 

[Moss]

I may get laughed at but there is not as big a gulf between these sides as the scoreboard ending up showing. Had SA held all its catches then probably NZ only makes 250 to 350 in its first inning which would have alleviated the scoreboard pressure on SA then maybe SA might have made more in its first inning.. The real abysmal part of SAs play was the fielding. It was attrocious and I think I would drop some of the key culprits if I were the coach to set some standards of what is acceptable and wasn't isn't acceptable.

You'd think South Africa will improve next test, but NZ also should be sharper (they'll simply have to be with Australia coming up next). Worries around the openers and (to a much lesser degree) bowling when the ball gets older, the next test will probably be a better indication of how the sides stack up, and how well NZ are prepared for the next series. 4 seems to be Rachin's ideal position for sure, could play the counter-attacking role Taylor did so often.

 

[Naveed Qaisar]

Williamson scored 100 twice in the same match for New Zealand. He got 109 runs in the second inning off 132 balls, showing patience and control. Now, New Zealand leads by a huge 528-run.

 

[SteveNZ]

I may get laughed at but there is not as big a gulf between these sides as the scoreboard ending up showing. Had SA held all its catches then probably NZ only makes 250 to 350 in its first inning which would have alleviated the scoreboard pressure on SA then maybe SA might have made more in its first inning.. The real abysmal part of SAs play was the fielding. It was attrocious and I think I would drop some of the key culprits if I were the coach to set some standards of what is acceptable and wasn't isn't acceptable.

Fair point - SA did definitely let themselves down with their catching. Not sure we'd know how well Mitchell/Blundell/Phillips/Santner would've gone in the first dig, though, given they batted completely differently after the mega partnership. But yeah for sure, SA could've been competitive but dropped way too many easy catches, and important ones.

Thought Henry looked as sharp as ever, Jamieson found some zip at times, Santner is a much improved Test bowler although Southee battled at times to find penetration on a flat one. If the openers can somehow find a way to bat for a session, we're looking pretty good. Love our depth with Santner at 8, Jamieson at 9 and two guys who can wack it and demoralise you further at 10-11.

 

[Dendarii]

Now, New Zealand leads by a huge 528-run.

A little late on the update there...

 

[Kenneth Viljoen]

I suppose Moore and Olivier were the most disappointing for SA. Most of the others were earnest triers that didn't lack for effort and made contributions.

I was disappointed in Petersen the most, he was able to bat at no.6 in this test which is far more comfortable than his usual batting position and he failed, getting out twice to some pretty ordinary shots even though his SR never went above 35 ..Being one of the more experienced players I expected better.

 

[Hurricane2]

The South Africans sound like really nice guys in the interviews. Very well spoken and represent their country respectably. Must be one heck of a PR crash course they take.

 

[Aidan11]

Good to see Bedingham get a good score.

Surprised it took so long to pick him. I've seen what he does playing at Durham and he's a solid middle order player.

 

[Hurricane2]

You'd think South Africa will improve next test, but NZ also should be sharper (they'll simply have to be with Australia coming up next). Worries around the openers and (to a much lesser degree) bowling when the ball gets older, the next test will probably be a better indication of how the sides stack up, and how well NZ are prepared for the next series. 4 seems to be Rachin's ideal position for sure, could play the counter-attacking role Taylor did so often.

I think our openers will come good. There is something about Latham's bat control that isn't quite right. Is his bat too heavy or something. I would love it if NZ cricket posted the bat weights for each member of the team. Would really give us something to sink our teeth into. He seems to not wield the bat like it is an extension of his arms. I know Kane uses a very light bat around 2 lb 9. We were taught as top order players to go 2lb 10 in my day. With the big hitters going 3 lbs - I guess none of those numbers make any sense any more with new bat technologies? Anyway if I were the batting coach I would be taking a long look at which bat manufacturer Latham uses, and working on getting the right pick up, and weight for him. I could be full of hot air. Maybe he just has always played like that.
Conway is an ace with right arm over. Less of an ace with around the wicket.

 

[ashley bach]

I think Conway is in a bad place atm and his confidence possibly at an all time low.

Great thing about cricket though is that it only takes one good knock to turn things all around. Hope like hell that knock comes soon.

 

[Flem274*]

Evidence suggests Conway gets in long ruts tbh

How long between test series? I'm tempted to send him to wellington white ball to just bosh a bit of nick into him. Won't soften the hands or solve playing early (comms pointed this out thst he's getting ahead of himself almost) but could give him confidence which often leads to technical improvement.

 

[Zinzan]

Overall match figures for the bowlers & very pleasing outings for Jamieson, Henry & Santner albeit the weak opposition.

Anyone spot the weak link?

 

[Flem274*]

I've long been a Southee skeptic but you can't judge off one game and the first of the season.

 

[Athlai]

Overall match figures for the bowlers & very pleasing outings for Jamieson, Henry & Santner albeit the weak opposition.

Anyone spot the weak link?


View attachment 39050

The one named Henry typically

 

[ataraxia]

So how did Santner/Rachin/Phillips bowl? (And why did Rachin get dibs over Phillips – is Ravindra still the mythical perfect-for-team-balance all-rounder of our dreams?)