South Africa look to exploit New Zealand’s long tail

South Africa did not have the chance to get into New Zealand’s middle-order in Durban, but they have identified it as an area to exploit in Centurion.

“That’s the one weakness New Zealand have. They are not a team that bats until 10 or 11,” South Africa’s stand-in captain Faf Du Plessis said. “If you can get inroads and get through those high-quality batsmen in the top order, you can put some pressure on them.”

Without Brendon McCullum, New Zealand batting experience comes in the form of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, and they are yet to settle on a No.5. Henry Nicholls is the incumbent but is yet to prove his worth with one half century in six Test innings. BJ Watling provides the lower middle-order muscle with the tail starting at No.7, something Kane Williamson explained can’t be helped.

“We always pick the best team we can, the best balance we can,” New Zealand’s captain Williamson said. “It’s always nice to have a seam-bowling allrounder that is so sought after in any international side but it’s a luxury we don’t really have at this stage but if you don’t have that, you compromise.”

He hoped Doug Bracewell, who is likely to keep his place unless New Zealand go into the match with two specialist spinners, could fill that role in the future. “Someone like Doug Bracewell is looking to try trying to play that allrounder role and improve in it going forward. He can bat and bat well so it’s just experience at this top …

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