Flynn deserves to be in but Mccullum should be opener
a long-term opening pair as recently as the January test against Zimbabwe.
They bat well together and Mccullum’s presence would have a positive impact on his junior partner. It’s easier to cajole a No 3 than to try to manufacture an opener.
Kane Williamson’s mature four-hour knock of 77 in Hamilton shows he has the goods to return to three (he strode out at 7-3 in the fifth over).
It would be unfair to judge any New Zealand batsman too harshly from this series.
Watching the South African quicks in Hamilton was a bowling masterclass. They are the world’s best unit, no question.
The scuffed-up ball began reverse swinging as early as the 30th over, and Kruger van Wyk and Doug Bracewell watched in disbelief as they shouldered arms and watched their respective off stumps shatter.
THE BASIN Reserve will be bouncier than Hamilton and Dunedin but that may be a good thing for New Zealand. Batsmen can leave deliveries on length, rather than fearing a short one will cannon into their stumps.
South African skipper Graeme Smith has stated often that he isn’t a fan of New Zealand’s chilly climes, so a howling wind at the Basin might even the ledger slightly.
It may be harder work for the pacemen to weave their magic in a gale. Small mercies are what New Zealand clutch at, especially with Smith talking about a ‘‘ruthless’’ finish to the series.
This is the world’s No 8 team against the world’s No 2 and, after a torrid few weeks, the gap is widening.