Zubayr Hamza was forced out with a fractured thumb among South Africa’s changes
Toss South Africa chose to bat vs New Zealand
Dean Elgar decided South Africa’s batters would front up first and bat on a green pitch. This is only the second toss South Africa have won in their last 17 Tests, and Elgar opted for a braver decision than most would have expected.
“I am staggered,” was the response from former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who thought the visitors would allow their attack first use of seamer-friendly conditions. But, in the absence of Lungi Ngidi (back niggle) and with the inclusion of a specialist spinner, Keshav Maharaj, Elgar opted to put a total on the board as South Africa looked to draw the series.
New Zealand have none of the same concerns, in personnel, injuries or results. They are unchanged from the team that took a 1-0 series lead last week and are chasing history. They have never beaten South Africa in a Test series and a draw in this match will be enough to achieve that. New Zealand can go top of the Test rankings with a 2-0 sweep.
New Zealand: 1 Tom Latham (capt), 2 Will Young, 3 Devon Conway, 4 Henry Nicholls, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Colin de Grandhomme 8 Kyle Jamieson, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Neil Wagner, 11 Matt Henry
South Africa: 1 Dean Elgar (capt), 2 Sarel Erwee, 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Temba Bavuma, 6 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Marco Jansen, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Lutho Sipamla
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa correspondent