Waterlogged test still has value: Taylor
With the weather-hit first test against South Africa seemingly destined for a draw you could forgive the Black Caps for allowing their minds to drift to the final match of the series.
But senior batsman Ross Taylor has stressed the importance of getting the most out of the fifth day in Durban - should they get on to the field.
Play was abandoned without a ball being bowled for the secondstraight day on Monday due to a wet outfield, leaving New Zealand stranded on 15-2 in reply to the Proteas’ first innings total of 263.
While a result is highly unlikely, the Black Caps have arguably more to play for with any mental scarring from a poor display with the bat likely to linger through to the second test in Pretoria, which begins on Saturday.
The batsmen have already looked vulnerable against Dale Steyn against Vernon Philander and Taylor says any time out in the middle would prove invaluable.
‘‘Any time you play a bowling lineup with Steyn, Philander and [Kagiso] Rabada, it’s a world-class bowling lineup and they know how to bowl in these conditions,’’ Taylor said.
‘‘Obviously the weather has played its part but I think we know what we’re going to get in Pretoria, the sun will be out and probably a little less grass on the wicket.
‘‘But one more day of test cricket here in Durban and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.’’
The teams haven’t been on the field since early afternoon on day two before the rain intervened.
Even heavier overnight rain followed and, despite a sunny Sunday and windy Monday morning, several areas of the Kingsmead ground were still deemed unsafe for play on the penultimate day.
The situation is frustrating for all involved but Taylor says the tourists have taken the lengthy delay in their stride and have made the most of the down time.
‘‘It’s disappointing not being able to get out there but the nets have actually been pretty good. At the same time, it’s been good for our bowlers, who have bowled a lot, to have a break with a lot of cricket coming up over the next few months.’’
Taylor will resume on two not with skipper Kane Williamson (two not out) should play get under way on day five.
And the 69-test veteran says it’s been a strange experience waiting such a long time to continue his innings.
‘‘It’s something I’ve never had to deal with,’’ he added.
‘‘You’ve still got to prepare to bat and in the down times not think about it too much and try and switch off from the batting. It sounds a lot easier than it is.’’