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[Felix Tito]

So another big Test series kicks off tomorrow. The fallen giants South Africa, against the ever popular and exciting New Zealand. This series has been dubbed 'age vs youth. Biggest story ahead of the series is that South African captain AB de Villiers is 'injured' I'm unsure whether I believe this TBH, as de Villiers has openly been against the enforced quotas and as such I wouldn't be surprised if he washed his hands with the national side. Other injury news was that Morne Morkel is out with a back injury.

The other main talking points are the returns of South Africa's superstar opening bowlers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. Not a bad pair to bring back in . Faf du Plessis is captain in the absence of de Villier.

New Zealand have no such selection problems as they have just recently routed Zimbabwe and all the batsmen got solid runs under their belts.

Interesting to note that this is the first time Test cricket is being played so early in the South African season, it's actually still winter according to cricinfo. Due to the time of year Durban looks more subcontinental than the 'Green Mamba' that's usually on offer.

South Africa: (probable) 1 Stephen Cook, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 Temba Bavuma, 6 JP Duminy, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dane Piedt, 10 Dale Steyn, 11 Kagiso Rabada

The South African middle order looks weak without their superstar. du Plessis was dropped for their last Test and is now captain  and Duminy has had more chances that Rohit Sharma with actually ever showing any improvement. Plus only 4 bowlers when two are returning from long lay offs equals RISKY! Even if they are as good as Steyn and Philander. I think Morris can feel a little peed to miss out as well.

New Zealand: (probable) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Henry Nicholls 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Doug Bracewell/Ish Sodhi 9 Neil Wagner, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Tim Southee

New Zealand seem very settled only question marks over Guptill and Nicholls. Santner looks a brilliant prospect almost a mine Daniel Vettori. I don't rate Sodhi at all and I'm a big fan of Bracewell. The qualities of Southee, Boult and Wagner are well known.

This is New Zealand's best chance of turning South Africa at home as perhaps enter the series as favourites. Lets hope for another cracking series 

[Twelfth Man]

Any New Zealanders on the forum? What's the current situation with Adam Milne, no form, broken down?

[rickjames]

Two tests though? Bluerrrrrrrrrrrrgh

[potzy248]

Any New Zealanders on the forum? What's the current situation with Adam Milne, no form, broken down?

They don't trust him over 5 days. He's been very unlucky with injuries.

[Felix Tito]

Faf du Plessis has won the toss and elected to bat. Match has been delayed by a wet outfield, and as such might be a decent session to bowl first.

[csnew]

is there a reason why south africa are playing a series so early in their season?

[RageofKlugman]

is there a reason why south africa are playing a series so early in their season?

At the risk of being cynical, I would guess it's to do with money - trying to fit as many games in as possible with little regard for how it might affect the quality of the cricket.

[rickjames]

Also I worry for any side when you have Duminy at #5

[Felix Tito]

is there a reason why south africa are playing a series so early in their season?

South Africa are going to Australia straight after this series, and they haven't played any Test matches since we where there at back in December/January

[Felix Tito]

Also I worry for any side when you have Duminy at #5

He won't be playing much if/when de Villlers comes back

[ProCricketer1982]

He's in at 4!!

SA are so poor so far..

Opening pair

One driving on the up, front foot not anywhere near the ball most times and the other hangs back to half volleys and unsurprisingly nicks a length ball to keeper. Both need firing ASAP.

[Alvaro]

Fluff du Plessis as Test captain? Good grief, that's rewarding extended mediocrity. Hiding down the order too.

[Felix Tito]

Boult 1-8 off 8 overs. The rest 69 off 14 overs...

[ProCricketer1982]

Amla looking class apart

[csnew]

some catch that from KW!