South Africa tour of New Zealand (2022)

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JOHANNESBURG: The Proteas are set to defend their unbeaten Test series record – at home and away – against ICC World Test Champions, New Zealand when they take on the BLACKCAPS at home in February 2022. Cricket South Africa (CSA) is delighted to confirm that the national men’s team will take on the hosts in a two-match series from 17 February to 01 March.

The fixtures, which will form part of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, will take place in Christchurch and Wellington respectively.

CSA Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, is delighted with CSA having secured more matches for the Test team. He said:

“It’s wonderful to be able to confirm these fixtures as Test cricket is a vital part of the CSA pipeline strategy. Having our team take on the defending World Test Champions in their backyard is another welcome challenge for the Proteas, who have proven themselves well-able in foreign conditions of late.

“These fixtures will play a role in helping Dean Elgar and his charges to further forge themselves as a powerhouse in Test cricket and hopefully add vital points to the World Test Championship table.

“Our thanks, on behalf of CSA, go to David White and New Zealand Cricket for accommodating our request for a change in dates in order to secure this important series and content.”


South Africa Test Tour to New Zealand Itinerary

Thursday, 17 to Monday, 21 February 1st Test Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Friday, 25 February to Tuesday, 01 March 2nd Test Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington

 

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JOHANNESBURG: Thirty-two-year-old Simon Harmer, will return to the Proteas Test set-up for the outbound tour to New Zealand. The last time the right-hand, off-spinner appeared for the national team was against India in November 2015. He is joined by Lutho Sipamla in the squad of 17 that departs for the two-match series on 02 February.

In a move to minimise COVID-19 risk, both fixtures, which will form part of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, will now take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Harmer returns due to the imminent nuptial of George Linde, who is not available to take part in the tour. Prenelan Subrayen is also not available for selection, due to a groin injury, he is making good progress in his rehabilitation.

Harmer made a big splash by taking seven wickets on Test debut against the West Indies in January 2015 in Cape Town, and went on to play four more matches, returning 20 wickets in total in eight innings, at an average of 29.40.

Representing the Momentum Multiply Titans this season, he holds second place in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) 4-Day Domestic Series’ top wicket takers log, behind the Imperial Lions’ Duanne Olivier (28 wickets), with 27 wickets in eight innings, at an average of 21.40.

Olivier’s Lions teammate, Sipamla, has been making his own 4-Day Domestic Series waves this season, returning 16 wickets in six innings, included best match bowling figures of 7/39 at an average of 16.56 and economy of 3.73. The 23-year-old made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2020 and has two Test matches under his belt with 10 wickets to his name.

The remainder of the Dean Elgar-led squad holds no surprises and will see the welcome return of Kagiso Rabada, who was rested for the recently concluded and successful, Betway One-Day International (ODI) series against India.

CSA Convenor of Selectors, Victor Mpitsang said:

“The National Selection Panel and I are pleased to see the Test team playing more cricket and we are looking forward to watching them perform in what we hope will be another scintillating series, this time, against the ICC World Test Champions, the BLACKCAPS.

“Our Test team has been successful under the strong leadership of Dean Elgar and his deputy, Temba Bavuma, and have returned good results in recent times. We are confident that they will continue in the same vein, as they head off to New Zealand.

“The inclusions of Simon (Harmer) and Lutho (Sipamla) reaffirm our intentions as a Panel, to reward excellence on the field and the pair have let their work speak on their behalf this past season.

“We wish Dean, coach Mark Boucher and the team all the best for the series and safe travels.”

Proteas Test squad vs New Zealand

Dean Elgar (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain, Imperial Lions), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Imperial Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Duanne Olivier (Imperial Lions), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Imperial Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions), Glenton Stuurman (Gbet Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper, Six Gun Grill Western Province).

 

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Proteas batsman, Keegan Petersen, will unfortunately miss the tour to New Zealand after testing positive for COVID-19. The number three batsman is well and asymptomatic. Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) medical team will keep in close contact with him to ensure his physical and mental well-being. Six Gun Grill Western Province batsman, Zubayr Hamza, will replace him for the tour.

In team management news, South Africa A team coach, Malibongwe Maketa and GbetsRocks physiotherapist, Brent Martin will join the Proteas, replacing Rivash Gobind and Craig Govender, who are going on leave.


Proteas Test squad vs New Zealand

Dean Elgar (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain, Imperial Lions), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Imperial Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Duanne Olivier (Imperial Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Imperial Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions), Glenton Stuurman (Gbet Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper, Six Gun Grill Western Province).

Team management
Mark Boucher (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Manager), Charl Langeveldt (Bowling Coach), Justin Ontong (Fielding Coach), Justin Sammons (Batting Consultant), Malibongwe Maketa (Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist), Tumi Masekela (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Dr Shuaib Manjra (Team Dr), Sipokazi Sokanyile (Media Manager), Kyle Botha (Masseur), Zunaid Wadee (Security).



South Africa Test Tour to New Zealand Itinerary

Thursday, 17 to Monday, 21 February 1st Test Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Friday, 25 February to Tuesday, 01 March 2nd Test Hagley Oval, Christchurch

 

[sweep_shot]

New Zealand should win 2-0.

 

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I have just found out New Zealand have never won a Test series against South Africa: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/sout...esults.html?class=1;id=3;id=5;type=headtohead.

Great opportunity for the Kiwis to end the drought.

 

[Justcrazy]

Kiwis are technically much stronger, but South Africa should come hard.

 

[Kaddy]

New Zealand hasn't defeated South Africa in a test match since 2004.

This is the best chance now as they are IMO stronger than South Africans.

 

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Fletcher and Tickner earn first Test call ups | Recalls for de Grandhomme and Rutherford - Williamson ruled out

Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner have earned their maiden Test call-ups, while Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Rutherford have been recalled as part of an extended BLACKCAPS squad for the first ANZ Test against South Africa, starting February 17 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.

The larger than normal 15-strong squad will allow the selectors to better cover their options while mitigating the health-risk associated with bringing players into the team environment at short notice, should there be any injuries.

That’s presented opportunities for in-form Canterbury wicket-keeper Fletcher, who will be the back-up gloveman to incumbent Tom Blundell, while Central Stags paceman Tickner will provide cover for the quick bowlers.

Tickner has appeared for the BLACKCAPS in eight T20 internationals since debuting in 2019, while it’s Fletcher’s first call-up to the national side after impressing for his province and for New Zealand A in recent seasons.

Seven years on from his last appearance for the BLACKCAPS, Otago Volts batsman Hamish Rutherford has earned a recall, as has all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme, who missed much of last season with a foot injury.

Against a backdrop of Kane Williamson’s injured elbow (which hasn’t mended in time) and the retirement of Ross Taylor, Rutherford has been included as batting cover in the extended squad, which will again be captained by Tom Latham.

Trent Boult will miss the first Test as he awaits the birth of his third child, while Ajaz Patel is a chance to be added for the second Test should conditions suit and provided he overcomes his left-calf injury.

Coach Gary Stead acknowledged this was yet another challenging squad to select.

“Injuries and COVID have forced us to be flexible and I’m really excited with the squad picked,” he said.

“I’d like to congratulate Cam and Blair on making the squad and also acknowledge Hamish and Colin for fighting their way back into the Test set-up.

“Cam has been excellent across the three formats for Canterbury over the past couple of seasons, producing consistent and often match-winning performances for his team.

“This will be a great opportunity for him to come into the BLACKCAPS environment and soak up the experience as much as he can.”

Stead said faced with the option of selecting another pace bowler or a specialist spinner in the extended squad, he’d gone with the former for the first Test, based on the conditions expected at Hagley.

“Blair’s been a consistent performer in the Plunket Shield over the past few seasons and we felt his pace, bounce and aggression covered our bases should we lose a pace bowler to injury.

“It’s pleasing to see Colin back in the Test side, having proved such an influential member before his foot injury last season.

“His form of late shows he’s clearly benefited from simply getting back on the park consistently, and it’s great to have his all-round skills and experience to call on.

“It’s a really exciting time for Hamish to be back in the BLACKCAPS after a long time away, and I know he’s absolutely buzzing at the opportunity ahead.

Stead said that, unfortunately, the series had arrived too soon for Williamson, in terms of his elbow injury rehabilitation.

“He was desperate to be fit for the series but with the amount of loading required for Test cricket, we had to make the tough call for him to sit it out and focus on returning for the white ball matches against Netherlands in March.

“Kane loves playing for the BLACKCAPS and especially in Test cricket so it was a particularly hard call. However the priority has to be trying to get the injury right and having him available long term.

“It’s important to remember this squad is just for the first Test so we do have flexibility to make changes as required, with the likes of Trent and Ajaz potentially available for the second.

“We’re conscious the second Test pitch may differ from the first so we’re keen to have the option of adding Ajaz if required. He’s targeting a return for the Stags in the Ford Trophy on February 20 to prove his fitness and availability.”

BLACKCAPS Test Squad – First ANZ Test

Tom Latham (c)

Tom Blundell (wk)

Devon Conway

Colin de Grandhomme

Cam Fletcher* (wk)

Matt Henry

Kyle Jamieson

Daryl Mitchell

Henry Nicholls

Rachin Ravindra

Hamish Rutherford

Tim Southee

Blair Tickner*

Neil Wagner

Will Young


*maiden Test call up

Rutherford, the 32-year-old Otago captain played 16 Tests at the top of the BLACKCAPS order from 2013 to 2015 and has over 7000 First Class runs including 17 First Class hundreds to his name.

Tickner has impressed with his consistency with the red ball having been one of the top five wicket takers in the Plunket Shield for the past two years, and currently sits fourth this season with 14 wickets from four matches.

Fletcher’s glove-work is highly regarded and he is having a breakout summer with Canterbury, especially with the bat where the 28-year-old has accumulated 344 Plunket Shield runs at an average of 86, following his 473 runs at 78 in the competition last season.

NZC is currently working through the COVID-19 Health framework for hosting some fans at the matches at Hagley Oval with details to be shared in advance of the first Test on February 17.

The second match of the ANZ Test series is scheduled to begin on February 25 at Hagley Oval.

New Zealand has never beaten South Africa in a Test series.

 

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Feb 10 (Reuters) - South Africa captain Dean Elgar says friendships will be put aside when they come up against in-form New Zealand batsman Devan Conway in the first of two tests at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Feb. 17.

Johannesburg-born Conway made his test bow against England at Lords last year and has been in sensational form since, with three hundreds and two fifties in his nine innings to date. That includes a double ton on debut.

Many of the touring South Africans have played with and against Conway in the country’s domestic cricket, so are well aware of his qualities.

“He is playing with a different badge on his chest now and has had a great start to test cricket. His numbers speak volumes and he is in a massive purple-patch,” Elgar told reporters on Thursday.

“But we don’t see him as a South African guy anymore, he is living here and playing for another country.”

“I am sure there will be some friendly chats off the field because a lot of guys know him and played with him and against him. But once match-day comes and you walk over that white line, it is all business, irrespective if he is your friend or not.”

The South African side have begun to practice for a few hours each day having all returned negative COVID-19 results in the first three rounds of testing since their arrival in the country.

Elgar says they are thankful for the discussions between the respective cricket boards and New Zealand government to ease restrictions and “make life bearable”.

“It is impossible to get guys to come and tour here if you are doing a straight 10 days where you can’t leave your room, basically living in jail without the opportunity to go outside and get some fresh air, practice or gym,” Elgar says.

“They have tried their utmost to make life bearable for us knowing that doing 10 days straight is absolutely not human for cricketers, let alone citizens.

“We do want to be here and play against New Zealand, no doubt, but you also have to meet the touring team halfway.”