After four days of rain the covers were peeled off the Basin Reserve wicket on Tuesday and to South Africa’s delight it was green ahead of the second Test against New Zealand.
The greener the better in Wellington has been New Zealand’s mantra in the past.
But their tone has been softened for the second Test starting Thursday, given the ruthlessness of South Africa’s pace trio Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel.
New Zealand’s situation is not helped by the loss of batsman Ross Taylor and injury concerns surrounding fast bowler Trent Boult who has until Wednesday evening to prove his fitness.
“I don’t think ideally we want to play South Africa on a seamer friendly surface,” said coach Mike Hesson, who was satisfied with the efforts of his twin-spin attack in the first Test where New Zealand had a chance until rain ensured a frustrating draw on the final day.
South African captain Faf du Plessis, however, could barely contain his excitement at the state of the wicket and New Zealand’s injury woes.
“We’ve been surprised. New Zealand conditions have changed since we were last here,” he said, with South Africa confirming they were bringing in an exta spinner — Dane Piedt — for the third Test in Hamilton next week.
But with the Basin Reserve having it’s traditional green cover, du Plessis said his seamers were looking forward to the second Test.
The loss of Taylor means captain Kane Williamson is New Zealand’s sole batting figurehead and “if we get through him we can put some real pressure on their batters”.
“So there’s excitement for our seamers and they will enjoy that, but so will New Zealand, they’ve got a good seam attack depending on Boult’s fitness,” added the South African skipper.
