Wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling has been one of New Zealand's counter-attacking keys in South Africa series. -Cricinfo
Black Cups' wicketkeeper BJ Watling says that the upcoming Hamilton Test against South Africa could define New Zealand's summer season which began nine months ago in August, reports cricinfo on yesterday on their official website.
The first Test between New Zealand and South Africa drew at Dunedin which started from March 8 to 12. In the 2nd Test which started at Wellington from March 16 to 18, South Africa defeated New Zealand by 8 wickets. However, just before this series New Zealand have played 3-ODI Chappell-Hadlee Trophy against Australia in their home.
Kiwis had also beat Bangladesh in their home while Tigers tour to New Zealand. The previous series provide good feedback for Kiwis but in this South Africa series Kiwis have already defeated in the 1st Test their home. Now they eye to 2nd Test.
"It's not a calamity. There's a lot of talk about the collapse and these things happen and we are obviously very disappointed but we're not going to dwell on that," Watling said. "This is a very important game coming up for us. I don't think we will judge our season on that last game. But we might on this one," he added.
beat Bangladesh in a full series including It has become something of a team mantra to talk of the Wellington woes as "one bad day," as Kane Williamson described it. They may even be able to distill it down to one bad hour.
New Zealand were 139 for 5 at tea on third day and added 16 runs to that score before losing 5 for 16 in less than six overs to set South Africa a modest 81.
That four of the five wickets fell to Keshav Maharaj on the most seamer-friendly deck of the series, was of particular annoyance to selector Gavin Larsen and Watling confirmed the squad has been addressing that issue.
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