The new year begins with the traditional New Year’s test match being played in Cape Town, starting from Wednesday. After the disappointment of no Boxing Day test, the fans will at least heave a sigh of relief with the test series between New Zealand and the hosts South Africa.
It could not have come across as a bigger mismatch, at least on paper as the No. 1 ranked test side takes on the struggling No. 9 team in home conditions.
New Zealand have slipped from one low to another while South Africa have remained strong in the face of strong challenges posed by their opposition.
South Africa’s last test assignment was in Australia where, despite being outplayed, the team was able to draw the first two tests before scoring a series-winning thumping victory in the final test.
It capped off a hugely successful year for South African cricket. In contrast, New Zealand have had problems on field and eventually off the field. Ross Taylor’s axing was a disgraceful episode that led to their best batsman making himself unavailable for the tour.
In Taylor’s absence, Brendon McCullum has a heavy duty on his shoulders not only as a player but also as captain. Kane Williamson, the 18-year old prodigy, was impressive in Sri Lanka and is already identified as the key link in their batting.
South Africa, led by Graeme Smith, have a settled line up with strong contingent of players in all departments. Vernon Philander has been declared fit for the match which could mean that the home side make no changes to the victorious XI from Perth.
In terms of statistics, fast bowler Dale Steyn is one short of 300 test wickets - a feat achieved only by three other Proteas bowlers. Jacques Kallis is also only 20 runs shy of reaching 13,000 test runs.
The match starts at 10.30am in Cape Town where South Africa have lost only three tests in the last two decades.