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New Zealand are set to face South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, February 4. The New Zealand team will be led by experienced pacer Tim Southee. The 14-member squad includes star batter Kane Williamson along with the young sensation Rachin Ravindra.
On the other hand, South Africa are fielding a weakened squad due to many of their regular red-ball players participating in the SA20 League. The uncapped Neil Brand 🌱will captain t🏅he squad, which features seven other uncapped players.
Test Stats and Records at Bay Oval:
- Total matches: 4
- Matches won batting first: 2
- Matches won bowling first: 2
- Average first innings scores: 359
- Average second innings scores: 404
- Average third innings scores: 230
- Average fourth innings scores: 146
- Highest total recorded: 615/9 (201 Overs) by New Zealand vs England
- Lowest total recorded: 126/10 (45.3 Overs) by New Zealand vs England
Also READ: New Zealand vs South Africa 2024, Test Series: Broadcast, Live S♊treaming𓄧 details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA, & other countries
Bay Oval Pitch Report
The pitch at Bay Oval is known for its balance, offering a fair contest between bat and ball. Batters need to exercise patience and precision in their shot selection, while bowlers c🌊an anticipate consistent seam movement throughout the match. Seamers are likely to play a significant role in exploiting the conditions and making an impact on the game.
Mount Maunganui Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the entire five-day duration💖 of the first Test at Bay Oval indicates clear conditions. The temperature is expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsi🍌us, with no chance of rainfall.
New Zealand vs South Africa, 1st Test: Probable Playing XI:
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Tom Blundell, Glenn P🗹hillips, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Southee (c), Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner Neil Wagner, Matt Henry.
South Africa: David Bedingham, Neil Brand, Ruan de Swardt, Keegan Petersen, Khaya Zondo, Raynard van Tonder, Clyde Fortuin, Dane Piedt, Duanne Olivier, Tshepo Morekꩲi, Mihlali Mpongwana