South Africa look to clinch 2-0 series win

After a shaky start, South Africa roared to victory in the first Test against New Zealand at the weekend and everything is in their favour going into the second and final Test, which begins on Friday, as they look to clinch a 2-0 series victory.

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New Zealand's batting let them down badly in the first Test, but that was not too surprising given the shortage of experience among the bulk of the top six.

To make matters worse, Shane Bond, who bowled well throughout the match, has returned home after tearing stomach muscles and Jacob Oram may not make it after he picked up a hamstring injury in the same match, leaving captain Daniel Vettori desperately short of options and experience.

That leaves the tourists short of firepower with the ball and the bat and the omens are not good for them heading into the second Test at Centurion, particularly as South Africa look like they are putting together a pretty strong side, solid throughout.

You have to feel a bit for Shaun Pollock, who looks likely to miss out again. The veteran fast bowler, who has lost a bit of pace in recent years, is still world class but the selectors seem to be favouring speed, and those that have been given the nod of late have done well.

Having been 8/11 for the first Test, they are now as short as 1/3 (1.33) for Centurion, a ground where they have lost just once in 12 Tests, and that was the infamous Test where Hanse Cronje agreed to forfeit an innings with England, and the tourists won what was effectively a one-day match, by two wickets.

Kallis the man
Jacques Kallis was totally at ease as he hit 186 in the second innings at The New Wanderers, and he is 3/1 favourite to top-score in his side's first innings this week.

Captain Graeme Smith, who missed out twice in the first Test, is 7/2 to get things right this time round, while Hashim Amla, whose unbeaten 176 could be the start of big things to come, is 9/2, the same price as Herschelle Gibbs. Ashwell Prince is 6/1 and AB De Villiers is 7/1.

Former captain Steohen Fleming will have to lead the way, one feels, if the New Zealanders are to stand a chance, and bet365 make him the 11/4 favourite to come out on top for his side in the first innings, as he did in the first Test.

Scott Stryis is next at 4/1, while Craig Cumming, Ross Taylor, Lou Vincent and Jamie How - in as cover, are all 5/1. Michael Papps is 11/2, Oram is 13/2 and Brendan McCullum is an 8/1 chance.

I really can't see anything other than a South Africa win here - weather permitting - and though 1/3 is a short price, it's perfectly arguable that it should be much shorter, which makes it reasonable value.

Cambers' Call
South Africa to beat New Zealand in 2nd Test - 1/3 bet365

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.