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

Modified Mar 07, 2017 13:11 IST

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 23: Neil Wagner of New Zealand run in to bowl during day four of the Second Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Hagley Oval on January 23, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images) — Neil Wagner is a South African by birth and is a key figure in the Kiwis squad

#3 Kane Williamson

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 20: Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Tim Southee, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor and BJ Watling of New Zealand walk from the ground at the lunch break during day one of the Second Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Hagley Oval on January 20, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images) — Williamson, the leader, needs a good series

Kane Williamson had a good ODI series but was far from his best as he struggled to take on Imran Tahir consistently. But Test cricket is a different ball game and there is no Tahir either. Williamson can make the difference between a decent total and a great one, a reason he is considered among the top batsmen in World Cricket today.

He will have his task cut out against a strong bowling line-up like South Africa's. Rabada had bowled beautifully to him in the ODIs and Philander and Morkel will add the experience angle. Williamson has shown that he can outmatch even the best and will be hoping to anchor the Black Caps batting.

His captaincy will also be under scrutiny, especially given the fact that South Africa have a flamboyant leader in Faf du Plessis with whom he will be compared in all nooks and corners of the country.

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Edited by Staff Editor