Still getting over the Black Caps loss in the ODI series decider against South Africa on Saturday?
Perhaps you are looking ahead to the test series with some trepidation?
Well, here is a fillip for you. The Black Caps are undefeated in seven tests at the University Oval.
Both sides arrived in Dunedin yesterday for the first test which gets under way in the city on Wednesday. South Africa has more bounce in its step having won the one-off twenty20 match and ODI series 3-2.
The Proteas are ranked two places higher than the Black Caps on the ICC test rankings as well, and definitely start as the favourites. But the University Oval has been a fortress for the home team. The Black Caps have won three and drawn the other four tests. Their one-day record is a perfect five from five. They ought to play here more often. Here is some more good news for the despondent fans out there.
Last time South Africa visited Dunedin (March 2012), it had Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers in the batting line-up. Not this time. Combined, that trio have scored more than 30,000 test runs.
There is no Dale Steyn either. The fast bowler has a rather useful record against the Black Caps with 68 wickets at an average of 16.04.
Of course, the squad the visitors have managed to scrape together is not too bad. They have won seven of their past nine tests, including an impressive 2-1 series win in Australia.
And then there was that time Vernon Philander took five for seven to help dismiss New Zealand for 45 at Newlands four years ago. He is still around. So are the likes of Hashim Amla and Morne Morkel.
