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History beckons for Black Caps in Hamilton
Black Caps chase history in Hamilton
In a match up that dates back to 1931, the Black Caps are in a prime position to finally win a test series against South Africa, which is being contested for the inaugural Tangiwai Shield.
New Zealand have met the Proteas in 17 previous series, managing four draws and 13 losses.
Anything other than victory against a weakened Proteas outfit would be a bitter disappointment, particularly with Australia on the horizon.
Skipper Tim Southee said the South African’s should provide a sterner challenge in the second test, with many having made their debut in Tauranga.
“When you have a hitout against them, you know a little bit more, but also they have played against us now so they’ll be better for having had more of a close up look of what we offer as well.”
With a dominant 281-run win in Mount Maunganui and a chance to break the historic hoodoo, Southee said they will not alter their approach.
“We obviously had a great week last week. We had a few days off between the tests and the guys were able to get away for a little bit and then we got together as a test group and the focus shifts to this week. Our preparation doesn’t change no matter who you play or what test match it is.”
Will Young is set to return to the test side. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The match marks the first test at Seddon Park since 2020 but Southee said they have seen enough from the shorter form to know it’s a decent deck.
“There hasn’t been a test here for a number of years but a lot of white ball cricket, which has offered up a pretty good surface. This year it’s had a bit of pace and bounce in it but it also tends to be a little bit more humid here in Hamilton so there is a little bit of swing.
“That’s the beauty of test cricket, the pitch changes over the five days so you pick a side that’s going to be most effective over those five days.”
The Black Caps are also looking to blood some new talent with seamer Will O’Rourke set to make his test debut.
Southee said though they have yet to settle on final bowling attack, the 22-year old is a likely inclusion.
“He’s got a great head on his shoulders. He’s a he’s a pretty mature guy and he’s had a little taste of international cricket already so he sort of knows what what to expect.”
Will Young will also replace the injured Daryl Mitchell in the middle order.
Southee said another win would give the side great momentum ahead of the Australian series at the end of the month.
“Test wins aren’t easy and it was great to sit back in the in the changing room and and have a beer and reflect on the four days that we played. And those are some of the best best memories where from your career.
“It’s not something that we’ve done a lot against South Africa obviously a proud sporting nation and to be able to get one over them was very pleasing.”
The veteran seamer said the side is relishing playing more test cricket on their own turf.
“For us it’s not something we have a lot of especially here at home, so to have two series reasonably close together and two great oppositions in South Africa and Australia is pretty awesome.”
South Africa captain Neil Brand batting during the first test against New Zealand. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
For South Africa, the side is desperate to leave Aotearoa with a win.
Skipper Neil Brand said the Proteas played well for 65 per cent of the first test, but crucial moments, such as dropping centurions Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, cost them.
“I don’t think we are miles away. We just have to do the right things for longer especially with the bat, one thing in particular is losing two wickets at a time which isn’t ideal in test cricket and just keep things simple.”
Brand said the Hamilton track should suit his bowlers.
“Especially our seam bowlers, hopefully we can put it to good use.”
The Tangiwai Shield Photo: Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz
-RNZ
The chief executive of the Parliamentary Service is confident there will be enough room to accommodate the increased number of MPs and their staff coming into Parliament.
On current numbers, up to 131 MPs could be sitting in the Chamber following the election, brought on by a record overhang result.
Clerk of the House of Representatives Dr David Wilson told the Spinoff that currently the debating chamber had enough chairs to seat 124 MPs – including the Speaker of the House – and work was being done to accommodate more by altering the seating arrangement.
In a statement, Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero said planning for a larger Parliament had been going for “some time”.
“Now that the election results have confirmed an increase to the number of members we are looking at several options.
“We are confident we will be able to accommodate all members within the Chamber.”
VNP / Phil Smith
Gonzalez-Montero said office accommodation for members and their staff would be “stretched” for a short time, but the new Members’ Building was only a few months away from “practical completion”.
That building – located behind Parliament – was due to be ready to occupy in April next year and had capacity to accommodate around 30 backbench MPs.
“All members should be in fit-for-purpose accommodation from that point,” Gonzalez-Montero said.
Following the 2023 election, 123 MPs sat in the Chamber – a record number at the time. That decreased to 122 following the resignation of National MP Judith Collins.
Collins held the seat of Papakura and stepped down in May and Parliament voted against holding a by-election because it was too close to the election.
The election result also meant high-ranking National Party MPs like Chris Bishop, Paul Goldsmith, Nicola Willis and Gerry Brownlee – Speaker of the House and an MP for 30 years – would likely not make it back into Parliament.
Only resigning or retiring MPs were permitted to give a valedictory speech meaning none of them would get the chance to give a valedictory statement.
Asked if their would be special allowances for valedictories, Wilson said in a statement that normally only MPs were allowed to speak in the House but the House could suspend its own rules or temporarily alter them.
“It could do so to allow former members to address the House.”
Wilson said no such arrangements could be made until the next Parliament opened and members sworn in.
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