Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

Sat, 03 Feb '24
1st Test • Mount Maunganui, February 04 - 08, 2024, South Africa tour of New Zealand
New Zealand
South Africa

Mon, 12 Feb '24
2nd Test • Hamilton, February 13 - 17, 2024, South Africa tour of New Zealand
New Zealand
South Africa

Wed, 21 Feb '24
1st T20I (N) • Wellington, Australia tour of New Zealand
New Zealand
Australia

Fri, 23 Feb '24
2nd T20I (N) • Auckland, Australia tour of New Zealand
New Zealand
Australia

Sun, 25 Feb '24
3rd T20I • Auckland, Australia tour of New Zealand
New Zealand
Australia

Wed, 28 Feb '24
1st Test • Wellington, February 29 - March 04, 2024, Australia tour of New Zealand
New Zealand
Australia

Thu, 07 Mar '24
2nd Test • Christchurch, March 08 - 12, 2024, Australia tour of New Zealand
New Zealand
Australia

Uncapped opening batter Neil Brand has been named South Africa's captain for their two-Test tour to New Zealand, which starts on February 4 and clashes with the SA20. South Africa will travel with a makeshift squad, which features only three players that are part of the ongoing series against India: Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham and Zubayr Hamza, who was added as a replacement following Temba Bavuma's hamstring injury. None of the first-choice bowling attack are available for the series, which is part of the World Test Championship (WTC).

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/neil ... nd-1414835

South Africa Test squad: Neil Brand (capt), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin (wk), Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo

New Zealand 511 all out

Ravindra 240
Williamson 118

Brand 6-119

Some knock from Ravindra on debut! Is it slightly hollow though, given its essentially a 3rd string SA side?!

South Africa 162 all out

Petersen 45
Bedingham 32

Henry 3-31
Santner 3-34

I don't think this is Ravindra debut Test. Though it is his debut Test ton.

This series will do nothing for Test cricket....SA 3rd XI getting pumped, NZ have more than enough, real shame this, because on paper NZ vs SA should have been a cracker of a series

New Zealand 179-4 declared

Williamson 109
Conway 29

Brand 2-52

Target 529

South Africa 247 all out

Bedingham 87
Hamza 36

Jamieson 4-58
Santner 3-59

SA are allowed to do this?

NZ unsurprisingly thrash SA C.

South Africa clearly couldn't give a stuff about tests or the WTC.

But then, the WTC scheduling continues to be a complete joke. Some teams will play twice as many matches as others. Thrashing a weak team 2-0 at home, NZ will get more points than if England were to beat India away 3-1.

There is no benefit to touring or playing long series, which seems antithetical to the point of the WTC i.e. to promote competitive test cricket.

Good start in Tests for Ravindra, though against poor opposition.

Debut for London born Will O'Rourke. Early wicket too.

South Africa 242 all out

De Swardt 64
Bedingham 39

O'Rourke 4-59
Ravindra 3-33

New Zealand 211 all out

Williamson 43
Latham 40

Piedt 5-89
Patterson 3-39

Unexpected fightback by SA. Looks an interesting match.

Early wickets for NZ. It's in the balance. Hamilton tends to remain good for batting throughout the match - anything below 300 should in theory be very chasable for NZ.