South Africa vs New Zealand 3rd Test Match

[Django]

The thrid test starts on Friday. In my opinion by inviting NZ to bat first in the 2nd test, Smith has given away the initiative to the Black Caps.

[sittingduck]

The pitch will play a huge partin this one. If its a batting track like in the second game then SA will bat out for the series because NZ cant get 20 wickets with their attack if their is littel assistance in the wicket.

[Django]

At this stage it appears that the pitch will assist medium pacer - more particularly the bowlers who can 'swing" the ball. This should be good news for NZ because Martin, Franklin and Mills are all very good at it.

More importantly SA will be tired after a very long and hard season and their mental commitment to the match must be suspect. I am not sure how much they would be prepared to fight it out.

[Vrock]

New Zealand's attack with definitely love this tracks if it does swing, Franklin was swinging the ball a lot in the last match.

I don't suspect we will be seeing any declarations from Graeme Smith in this game, I think South Africa would rather win the series than risk a loss. Even though if they win they go ahead of New Zealand in the ICC rankings.

If the pitch is a result (win/loss) pitch then I think Makhaya Ntini will be the key factor for South Africa, but having Steyn as an opening partner will help the wicket count.

[Wanderer]

Lively pitch expected...according to the curator and both captains, after they inspected it yesterday.

[Wanderer]

SA won the toss and once again Smith has decided to bowl first.

Andrew Hall in the team for Nicky Bojè and Pollock in for Nel. Jamie How, a specialist opener comes into the NZ line-up, Patel also sits this one out. "Horses for courses" is Mark Richardson's take on these changes...

[Vrock]

Looks as though the addition of Jamie How was a short lived one, a duck leaves NZ 0-1.

Steyn picked up the wicket.

[Wanderer]

Both openers gone. Ntini gets Papps. Stumps all over the place. NZ 2/2.

[Wanderer]

2/3. Styris gone. Caught by de Villiers at 2nd slip off Ntini.

[Vrock]

I haven't seen any play yet but I suspect that the ball is zipping about/swinging so a result is extremely likely. Which can only be a bonus for New Zealand.

Ntini's figures so far are 8-5-6-2...these are great figures for a bowler who is on amazing form at the moment.

Pollock has bowled one over, already gone for four runs. I think that says it all.