NZ Test squad hints at stodgy playing conditions
Mark Richardson, writing in New Zealand Herald , says if the indications are right and the South Africa Tests are played on slow, green, seaming tracks, it might not be the ideal way to develop New Zealand cricket.
I am not excited about ... what the selection tells me. It tells me that these test matches are more than likely going to be played on slowish, green seaming conditions. I agree with that if all I cared about was bringing the gap between the teams closer and trying to nullify the advantage the extra pace South Africans have over the Black Caps. However I don't agree this is the way forward for New Zealand as a test nation and don't believe seeing batsmen poke and prod or take their chances and slog is a particularly good spectacle.
Nikita Bastian is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo