Dunedin: South Africa and New Zealand’s captains both claimed to have gained a psychological edge after rain washed out the final day of the first Test in Dunedin on Sunday.
Despite New Zealand suffering the loss of batsman Ross Taylor for the second Test, captain Kane Williamson felt buoyed by the his side being able to establish a 33-run first innings lead.
“To put partnerships together against the very good attack they have was a good effort,” he said after play was abandoned without a ball bowled on Sunday, leaving South Africa on 224 for six in their second innings, a lead of 191 runs.
“You always want more, which never goes away no matter how many you get, but it was nice to get a little lead going into that second innings.”
Taylor, who suffered a calf tear early in his innings, has been replaced by debutant Neil Broom for the second Test which starts in Wellington on Thursday.
Pace bowler Matt Henry has also been added to the squad with Trent Boult nursing a leg injury.
South African captain Faf du Plessis felt the rain had ruined a potential victory, with the Proteas set to capitalise on New Zealand’s injury woes.
“When a Test match finishes on a day like today it’s very frustrating,” he said.
“If today was a full day of cricket, we felt with (New Zealand) one seamer down and one of their main batters out of the team we fancied our chances. It’s very disappointing from that point of view.
“We were 190 ahead on a wicket that was spinning quite a bit, purely on the match position if we got 50-60 more runs, a 250 lead and set them that in 50-60 overs, we’d fancy our chances.”
The match had been delicately poised entering the final day with South Africa 224 for six in the second innings, a lead of 191 runs, with captain Faf du Plessis on 56 and Vernon Philander on one at University Oval.
Heavy rain that began early on Sunday, however, ensured a delayed start and after the scheduled lunch break was taken at 1pm, umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Bruce Oxenford decided there was no chance of any play.
“I think the game was shaping up quite nicely for all three results,” Williamson said. “The game was certainly in the balance and it’s just a shame not to get any play today.
“But it’s nice going into the second match with both teams having played some good cricket.”
The second game in Wellington starts on March 16, before the third match at Seddon Park in Hamilton begins on March 25.
