* New Zealand strengthen batting
* South Africa opt for four fast bowlers
(Adds quotes)
WELLINGTON, March 23 (Reuters) – New Zealand captain Ross
Taylor won the toss and chose to field in the third test against
South Africa at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Friday.
Overnight rain had delayed the start of play, with umpires
Aleem Dar and Richard Kettleborough deeming the ground
unsuitable for play until 1400 (0100 GMT). The match had been
scheduled to start at 1030.
A minimum of 63 overs will be bowled.
“I think 60 overs in a day there is not a lot to achieve
with the bat apart from denying the opposition so hopefully we
can get out there and take some early wickets and put them under
pressure,” Taylor said in a pitchside interview.
New Zealand have strengthened their batting line up by
picking six specialist batsmen. In their previous four tests
they used four pace bowlers with left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori
batting at number six.
Dean Brownlie, who broke a finger during the Zimbabwe
series, returns to the side and will bat at six, while recalled
batsman Daniel Flynn will open the batting with Martin Guptill
with Brendon McCullum staying at number three.
“It’s been a while since Flynny was in the international
scene but he has been a good player for us when he has played
and he will bat at the top of the order,” Taylor said.
Continued…
