Bring on the Tests? New Zealand v South Africa Test Series Preview

After all the excitement and anticipation leading up to South Africa's first tour of New Zealand since 2004, just like this year's summer, expectations have somewhat dissipated following 3 consecutive losses to the Proteas (Twenty20 and one dayers included).

It's the manner of the losses which has had many Blackcaps fans down and out. After the epic collapse at Eden Park in the deciding Twenty20 game, it appears the Blackcaps have lost their way and just have not offered the sort of competition that we had hoped for. Yes South Africa are a crack cricket team at the moment, pretty much excellent in all facets of the game, but you'd have thought the Blackcaps would show a bit more fight to the tourists given all the talent they have.

Ok Ross Taylor has been a big loss but I really don't know if he would have made much of a difference to the Blackcaps anyway.

But we move on, past the losses, past the indiscretions with Jesse Ryder and Doug Bracewell to the three tests - which will take much more time than the Twenty20s and one dayers put together.

A decent side by New Zealand standards has been named - and after New Zealand's last performance against a "proper" test side in Australia, you'd think confidence should be alright.

Furthermore, they've been aided by the addition of some promising cricketers who have impressed in the shorter forms of the game, i.e. Rob Nicol for his batting, Andy Ellis for his all-round abilities. Daniel Vettori, Trent Boult, Brent Arnel and of course, captain, Ross Taylor return so the Blackcaps may have a better chance in the test game with that experience and pace.

So here's what I think is New Zealand's test side for the first test in Dunedin next week.

Martin Guptill
Brendon McCullum
Kane Williamson
Ross Taylor (c)
Rob Nicol
Daniel Vettori
BJ Watling (wk)
Andy Ellis
Doug Bracewell
Tim Southee
Trent Boult