SA pace attack looms as threat to Black Caps
After enduring an interminable and ultimately forlorn wait to resume their batting in Durban, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor surely accept patience is again a virtue as New Zealand take a oneoff shot at history at Centurion.
The Black Caps hopes of approaching South Africa’s first and only innings - at Kingsmead rested on the dynamic duo before a sodden outfield made the venue unplayable for three days.
And at some point following tonight’s toss the captain and former skipper will likely play a significant role regarding New Zealand’s ability to end an 84-year wait by securing a series win over the only test rival to deny them.
Williamson and Taylor faced 26 balls between them at Kingsmead after Dale Steyn heralded his return from injury by reducing the Black Caps to 15-2.
Vernon Philander was also challenging in conditions conducive to seam and swing and although the skies are expected to be clear over the highveld for the duration of this second ‘winter’ test, fast-improving 21-year-old quick Kagiso Rabada poses a relatively new threat in what would be his eighth cap.
Rabada certainly has a liking for SuperSport Park on the outskirts of Pretoria - he snared a career-best 13-144 in the final test against England in January.
Taylor can vouch for Rabada’s capabilities after he combated the right-armer when playing for Surrey against Kent in mid-July while Williamson is also among his 37 ODI wickets.
Still, before Rabada unleashed, the Black Caps top order must survive against long-term nemeses Steyn [60 wickets at 16.53] and Philander [28 at 15.00] now the spearheads are both back from layoffs.
‘‘We formed a good partnership over the last few years,’’ Philander said.
‘‘When you slip down the rankings [South Africa are 7th; New Zealand 5th] you try and find the key reason. South Africa have lacked with a lot of new faces and a lack of experience.
‘‘Dale and I bring a bit of experience to the fold,’’ the 31-year-old said.