New Zealand with mountain to climb

Let's examine the facts. New Zealand have never won a Test series in South Africa and collapsed horribly in the fourth innings at Centurion to put the home side 1-0 up with two to play. Small wonder then that bet365 now make them 7/2 (4.50) to win the second Test, starting on Thursday and 12/1 (13.00) to come from behind and win the series.

With home advantage and a handy lead, South Africa are 1/5 (1.20) to take the series, while the draw is a 4/1 (5.00) chance.

The second Test begins in Cape Town on Thursday and South Africa will be confident of further success, having won seven of the past 10 Tests on the ground. The home side are 4/5 (1.80) for victory in Cape Town, while New Zealand are 7/2 (4.50) and the draw is 11/5 (3.20).

Things don't get any easier for the New Zealanders, with Shane Bond again a major injury doubt after he missed the first Test.

Michael Mason, the Central Districts fast bowler, has been called up as cover for Bond, who has played just six Tests since the 2003 World Cup.

South Africa, by contrast, have no real injury worries and will be hugely confident of wrapping up the series by winning in Cape Town.

Bond, despite his injury worries, is favourite to be the man of the match at 9/1 (10.00) but Makhaya Ntini, who can hit the heights on his day, looks much better value at 12/1 (13.00).

Jacques Kallis looks solid at 3/1 (4.00) to be his side's top runscorer in the first innings, while Stephen Fleming is 7/2 (4.50) to top-score for New Zealand.