The New Zealand cricket team for the second Test against South Africa could feature some changes following the drawn first match in Dunedin.
The team for the Hamilton match – starting on Thursday – is due to be named on Monday afternoon and New Zealand captain Ross Taylor expressed frustration on Sunday that his bowlers could not take 20 South African wickets in the first, rain-shortened Test of the three-match rubber.
“There could be a few changes. We will just have to wait and see what is happening with the injuries and what the wicket is going to be like in Hamilton, whether it’s bowler-friendly,” Taylor said.
The selectors may cut bowler Tim Southee, who in Dunedin went wicketless in 36 overs which cost 140 runs.
Taylor admitted Southee “didn’t have the game of his life” and struggled with his action.
“He is a confidence player and hopefully he will bounce back.”
There is speculation he could be replaced by Central District’s Indian-born legspinner Tarun Nethula, 28, who was brought into the New Zealand one-day squad this season and could suit a dry pitch in Hamilton.
Batsman Rob Nicol will probably keep his place despite being hit on the body, peppered with bouncers and beaten several times in Dunedin.
Nicol added 19 runs in the second innings after scoring just six in the first.
Dean Brownlie is still out as his broken finger hasn’t healed enough, while no medical decision has yet been made on BJ Watling, who was ruled out of being the wicketkeeper for the Dunedin Test at the last minute because of a hip niggle.
That allowed South African-born Kruger van Wyk to make his Test debut and after a battling 36 runs in the first innings, he looks set to keep his place.
Bowler Brent Arnel and allrounder Andrew Ellis were also in the squad for Dunedin and are in contention.