Black Caps out to make history in SA

New Zealand will have to blunt South Africa's impressive pace attack if they are to claim their first ever series win over the Proteas, Black Caps coach Mike Hesson believes.

Fresh from a 2-0 series win over Zimbabwe on docile wickets, the Kiwi batsmen can expect a significant change in pace and bounce when the first match of the two-Test series begins at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday night.

While the injured Morne Morkel will be missing from the Proteas line-up, New Zealand are still likely to face Dale Steyn, a newly fit Vernon Philander and young gun Kasigo Rabada.

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Philander has a good history against New Zealand, taking 21 wickets during the Proteas tour of New Zealand in 2012 and following that up with a seven-wicket haul in the Newlands Test in early 2013.

Image Id: ~/media/2AE92FD593AD4B7CBCB19A54003EC85A Image Caption: Philander has a good record against NZ // Getty

Although he missed much of last summer through injury, Philander was still a high-quality bowler, Hesson said.

"We saw him at his best a few years ago when he just hit lovely lengths. We know he's going to provide a challenge there, most likely with the new ball," Hesson said.

Rabada, 21, is more of an unknown factor for the Black Caps as a relative newcomer to Test cricket.

But he showed his class against England in January when he ripped through their line-up in the third Test, taking a career-best seven for 112.

He's been quick to make his mark in ODI cricket and swept the pool at Cricket South Africa's recent awards night, claiming six different gongs.

"He's got pace, he's got bounce, he's got plenty of skill," noted Hesson.

"He's fresh so he keeps running in at you hard. He's someone we're going to have to spend a bit of time on.

"We know he's a quality bowler but when you've got Dale Steyn at the other end as well there's no let off."

Image Id: ~/media/DB58D6BA43824540A28ACF790072AB3D Image Caption: Rabada has a young quick on the rise // Getty

Hesson has yet to decide whether his bowling line-up will feature two spinners to back up a pace attack of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner, meaning one of Ish Sodhi or Mitchell Santner could miss out.

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The Black Caps have never won a Test series against South Africa. Of their 40 encounters in the longest form of the game, New Zealand have won on just four occasions – the most recent of which came in Auckland in 2004.

But with the Proteas having slipped to No.6 on the ICC Test rankings, Hesson's men can smell an opportunity to make history.

"We just talk about getting better all the time. And as a Test side, bar the odd aberration, our Test abilities have certainly improved over the last few years, but that doesn’t guarantee anything.

"We know have to adjust to start well in this Test."

Image Id: ~/media/8DB50DA490ED491B975989D975DE70EA Image Caption: Dean Elgar celebrates his Durban ton // Getty

The series has already produced one first – a Test played at Kingsmead in August – and South Africa opener Dean Elgar says it will mean both teams are entering unfamiliar territory come Friday.

"The biggest thing for us is to try and adapt as soon as possible," Elgar said in Durban on Monday.

"The wicket in the middle might be playing completely different to what we have experienced in the nets.

"We are experienced enough cricketers to adapt, adjust and to get used to the pace of play again.

"The facilities have been good, we have four days before the test so we will have a decent amount of preparation going into Friday."

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With superstar batsman and captain AB de Villiers sitting out the series as he manages an elbow injury, Elgar knows the pressure on the Protea's batting line-up, but is hopeful he can replicate the century he scored at Kingsmead against England last December.

"It’s a good ground for me personally.

"Especially going back to last season and the previous season from the domestic front. It’s a nice place to play cricket, I have always felt that it’s a wicket where you can get in and really score big.

"Personally, it has been a good hunting ground and hopefully it’s another ground where one can contribute and try to get a win for the team."