Black Caps v South Africa

Bovidae

SA won the toss and will bat. Patel playing as the 2nd spinner. The other changes as expected.

mariner4life

Inspired inclusion bringing Dipak back to open the bowing

Bovidae

The spins twins are opening...

Donsteppa

Inspired inclusion bringing Dipak back to open the bowing

Indeed, the triumphant Cricinfo headline:

Bovidae

Not sure why Kane only used Patel and Santner for 3 overs. Life is looking much easier against Boult and Southee.

Chris B.

Strange review process against Faf.

Third umpire finds no evidence, but there's a small spike as the ball goes past the bat. No hotspot.

I think he might have got a tiny nick and the commentators think Faf thinks he did as well.

Chris B.

Making our way through the Jaapies. AB makes a rare mistake and runs out Pretorius.

159/6

Get AB now and we've got the game by the throat!

Bovidae

Guptill doesn't look 100% with the hamstrings as he's fielding at 3rd man.

Damo

This little spell is costing us the game. Some pretty average bowling and fielding on display.

Chris B.

@Damo Yeah - the wheels came off badly.

100 off the last 8 overs and what was looking like 240 becomes 280.

That looks a fair way above par to me.

Bovidae

We'll know after 10 overs if this will be another early finish.

MajorPom

We'll know after 10 overs if this will be another early finish.

optimistic ... whe we are 3/2 after 10 balls maybe better.

Donsteppa

Our top order batting doesn't look ominous at all for the Test series...

Donsteppa

Guptil 50 off 38. Reasonable...

Virgil

Martin Guptill great to see you again son, you have been missed.

Damo

Let's please try Guppy at 5 in the tests. He can't open but he's clearly too good to be discarded from tests entirely.

Chris B.

Guppy, "My hamstring's sore, I'm rusty and the pitch is tricky...ah fuck it, I'll smack a quick 50".

mariner4life

goddamit. Do you remember when Tahir was a joke?

Damo

Thank goodness for drs. Pretty average decision from umpire considering it was both too high and missing leg.

Chris B.

Guppy's 73* off 60 has covered AB's 72 off 59. Bonus territory now.

Just need a few others to come to the party and cover especially Faf and Amla.

The Silver Fern