South Africa wins toss, bowls in 2nd test vs. New Zealand
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl Thursday on the first day of the second test against New Zealand.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said he also would have bowled had he won the toss, but the pitch looked good after a restricted preparation and batting should become easier after the first hour at the Basin Reserve.
South Africa named the same team that drew the first test at Dunedin while New Zealand made three changes, two forced by injury.
Neil Broom was named to make his test debut at 33 in place of Ross Taylor, who has a calf injury. Broom will bat at No. 4 in the New Zealand order. Tim Southee returns to the New Zealand lineup and replaces Trent Boult who is sidelined with a leg injury.
Colin de Grandhomme also rejoins the team in place of Mitchell Santner, lengthening New Zealand's batting order. Jeetan Patel, who has been retained as New Zealand's only specialist spinner, will play his first test on his home ground at the age of 36.
____
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson (captain), Neil Broom, Henry Nicholls, James Neesham, B.J. Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Jeetan Patel.
South Africa: Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, J.P. Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel.
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Sri Lanka, and Rod Tucker, Australia.
TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford, Australia. Match referee: David Boon, Australia.
