Big test awaits depleted NZ team

Selecting a side is just the first battle for the Black Caps.

Trying to win the third test match will start in earnest in Hamilton this morning - weather permitting - but there’s still a great deal of conjecture around just which 11 New Zealand players will be charged with that responsibility against South Africa.

The enforced absences of new-ball spearheads Tim Southee and Trent Boult have clouded the situation for the hosts at Seddon Park. Neil Wagner and Matt Henry seem likely to be entrusted with the new ball following the dual departures through injury over the past two days, while rightarm quick Scott Kuggeleijn is in the mix after being called in as cover.

What’s more likely than a debut for the 25-year-old from Northern Districts is the inclusion of left-arm turner Mitchell Santner to join Jeetan Patel in the spin department, with Jimmy Neesham the allround seam option to miss out, leaving Colin de Grandhomme in the XI.

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson wasn’t able - or willing, possibly - to shed much light on the make-up of the side a day before the test.

‘‘It is an interesting process with so many injuries to try and nut down, I guess, the balance we do want to go in with,’’ Williamson said.

The skipper was still trying to decipher what the Seddon Park pitch will do.

‘‘It never has a huge amount of pace but it offers a little bit for the seamers,’’ he said.

‘‘That side of the block can be a little slower so there might be spin in play as well.

Williamson said two spinners was ‘‘an option we’re looking at due to conditions, but also due to how many people we have fit at the moment’’.

Opposing skipper Faf du Plessis acknowledged the absence of Southee and Boult was ‘‘a huge blow’’ for New Zealand and their chances of levelling the series.

‘‘I always take reference to our own team if we lose guys like them, it’d be a huge loss,’’ du Plessis said.

Williamson said following his side’s second innings collapse and subsequent defeat at the Basin Reserve, an immediate response was sought.

‘‘It’s very important we bounce back, show that fight and those characteristics that this team is about - which we did fail to do in the latter half of our last game.’’

New Zealand’s chances of securing a victory may be hampered by the weather - rain is forecast to feature at least over the first three days.

‘‘It’s something we can’t control,’’ Williamson said. ‘‘Five days is a long time, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of cricket.’’