Cape Town - The Proteas' Men's team's chances of preserving their proud Test record in New Zealand received a significant boost on Tuesday with the home team skipper Kane Williamson ruled out of the two-match series.
South Africa have never lost a Test series in New Zealand going back to 1932. The Black Caps are now though the current World Test Champions and have not been defeated on home soil since 2017 when Faf du Plessis' Proteas claimed a 1-0 series win.
Williamson, who is the No 3 ranked Test batter in the world, is still struggling with a long-term elbow injury. He missed the previous homz series against Bangladesh, which the Black Caps surprisingly drew 1-1, and will now not be ready to face the Proteas in the first Test at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on February 17. Opening batter Tom Latham will continue as captain in his absence.
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The Kiwis will be without another stalwart in the first Test with opening bowler Trent Boult absent due to the birth of his third child.
"He (Williamson) was desperate to be fit for the series but with the amount of loading required for Test cricket, we had to make the tough call for him to sit it out and focus on returning for the white-ball matches against Netherlands in March," New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. "Kane loves playing for the Blackcaps - and especially in Test cricket - so it was a particularly hard call. However, the priority has to be trying to get the injury right and having him available long term."
The Black Caps have therefore recalled veterans Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Rutherford with Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner also earning their maiden Test call-ups.
"It's pleasing to see Colin back in the Test side, having proved such an influential member before his foot injury last season. His form of late shows he's clearly benefited from simply getting back on the park consistently, and it's great to have his allround skills and experience to call on," Stead said
"It's really exciting time for Hamish to be back in the Black Caps after a long time away, and I know he's absolutely buzzing at the opportunity ahead."
Rutherford - son of former NZ and Highveld Lions captain Ken - last played for the Black Caps in 2015.
Black Caps squad for first Test in Christchurch:
Tom Latham (captain), Will Young, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Rachin Ravindra, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Neil Wagner, Hamish Rutherford, Blair Tickner, Cam Fletcher.
IOL Sport