South Africa vs New Zealand 2017 Test series: 5 players to watch out for

#4 Dean Elgar

Elgar will hope to get the Proteas to a fine start

The stoic opener had a great series against the Sri Lankans after he completed another fine run at the top of the order in Australia. He has forged a great combination with Stephen Cook and the duo put on decent stands in the Lankan series.

Elgar's advantage is his ability to test the bowler's patience by remaining tight in defence and then capitalising on anything loose. A batsman with a great temperament, Elgar is the perfect opener South Africa need in these conditions.

He will be challenged by Trent Boult's movement and Tim Southee's accuracy but the southpaw has time and again proved his critics wrong by sticking to his natural game. He has a batting average of 38.60 after 32 Tests and would be hoping to jump over the 40s in this series.