Proteas, Black Caps both fancy their chances in Hamilton Test

Hamilton, Mar.13-Both the Proteas and the Black Caps fancy their chances in the 2nd Test to be play in Hamilton.

New Zealand and South Africa emerged from Dunedin with an advantage in the test series scorecard, and neither gathering is keen to concede a psychological border ahead of the second test starting here on Thursday, stuff.co.nz reports.

Rookie Black Caps test wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk said he believed New Zealand still had an opportunity to win the first test in Dunedin before rain lined out play on the final day on Sunday, while South African quick bowler Vernon Philander thought his side were poised to go one up.

Going into that last day, I ‘don’t say there was really a feeling of stimulation. We fight very hard in those first four days and got ourselves into position where we notion that anything could happen on that last day, and there was a sensation of excitement going into it," van Wyk said in Hamilton yesterday.

We observably fancied our chances to take the wickets on the last day but rain had the last say, unluckily. I think the game was evenly poised but I think we fancied our chances," Philander said. Neutral observer would have put the Proteas in the box seat but New Zealand emerged reasonably unscathed - bar swing bowler Tim Southee, who has been drop from the 2nd test squad after going wicket less in Dunedin.