Blackcaps v South Africa: Proteas send New Zealand in to bowl after winning second-test toss

The Blackcaps will take the ball first in the second test against South Africa in Hamilton.

Proteas captain Neil Brand won the toss on Tuesday morning, making the surprise decision to bat first on a green track at Seddon Park.

As widely expected, seamer Will O'Rourke will make his test debut, while veteran bowler Neil Wagner also returns to play his first test in almost a year.

Will Young replaces injured Daryl Mitchell in the middle order.

South Africa have made two changes to their side, adding bowlers Shaun von Berg and Dane Piedt.

New Zealand are chasing their first series triumph over South Africa in 72 years, set up by their 281-run victory in the first test at Mount Maunganui last week.

All the factors that contributed to that comprehensive win remain in play this week – including the gulf of experience with the fresh-faced South African line-up, which is missing several key players.

"We obviously had a great week last week. And like every test match our focus has been on our preparation over the last couple of days," Southee said.

"It doesn't change who you play or what test match."

Brand thought the Proteas were not "miles off" in the first test and were determined not to be the first South Africa team to lose a series to New Zealand.

"We definitely want to come away with something," he said.

"So we are desperate to put in a good performances and we can hopefully we can get ourselves into the game."

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee (capt), Neil Wagner, Will O'Rourke

South Africa: Neil Brand (capt), Clyde Fortuin, Raynard van Tonder, Zubayr Hamza, David Bedingham, Keegan Peterson, Ruan de Swardt, Shaun von Berg, Dane Piedt, Tshepo Moreki, Dane Paterson

The Blackcaps will take the ball first in the second test against South Africa in Hamilton.

Proteas captain Neil Brand won the toss on Tuesday morning, making the surprise decision to bat first on a green track at Seddon Park.

As widely expected, seamer Will O'Rourke will make his test debut, while veteran bowler Neil Wagner also returns to play his first test in almost a year.

Will Young replaces injured Daryl Mitchell in the middle order.

South Africa have made two changes to their side, adding bowlers Shaun von Berg and Dane Piedt.

New Zealand are chasing their first series triumph over South Africa in 72 years, set up by their 281-run victory in the first test at Mount Maunganui last week.

All the factors that contributed to that comprehensive win remain in play this week – including the gulf of experience with the fresh-faced South African line-up, which is missing several key players.

"We obviously had a great week last week. And like every test match our focus has been on our preparation over the last couple of days," Southee said.

"It doesn't change who you play or what test match."

Brand thought the Proteas were not "miles off" in the first test and were determined not to be the first South Africa team to lose a series to New Zealand.

"We definitely want to come away with something," he said.

"So we are desperate to put in a good performances and we can hopefully we can get ourselves into the game."

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee (capt), Neil Wagner, Will O'Rourke

South Africa: Neil Brand (capt), Clyde Fortuin, Raynard van Tonder, Zubayr Hamza, David Bedingham, Keegan Peterson, Ruan de Swardt, Shaun von Berg, Dane Piedt, Tshepo Moreki, Dane Paterson

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