Another poor day in the field for the Proteas saw them staring down the barrel of a possible huge innings defeat in under three days against New Zealand in the first test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch after Friday’s second day.
After being skittled for 95 in their first innings, the Proteas watched in horror as the Black Caps amassed a massive 482 all out in their first innings to take a lead of 387 runs, shortly before the close of play.
The Proteas then had a tricky 40 minute session to negotiate to the close but crashed to 4/3, before fighting back to finish the day on 34/3, needing 353 runs just to make the hosts bat again.
Proteas coach Mark Boucher didn’t mince any words after the days play, admitting the team just had not been good enough.
“It’s been a tough two days, extremely disappointing especially after the series we had against India. I think there was a high expectation from everyone and we just haven’t come out and given the energy that was expected from us,” said Boucher.
“As coaches we will keep going back and looking at ourselves and see how we can best prepare the players for tours. So it’s a funny one, I haven’t been able to put my finger on it at the moment, I can just see the energies are way below par and the results have shown that.”
Asked about whether the disastrous two days has wiped out the goodwill built up by the Proteas series win over India earlier in the year, Boucher disagreed claiming that it has become a trend for the team to falter at the start of a series and that is something they have to address.
“I don’t think so, a lot of people judged us after one or two days of the Indian series and we pulled it back nicely,” explained Boucher.
“We haven’t started well here at all and as I said this isn’t the first time it has happened, it’s something that has been happening for quite some time now, so as coaches we are trying to find out the reasons for that, we do a lot of talking before a series and a lot of planning.
“The three match series against India was a long series where we played a good brand of cricket, a lot of good was shown in that whole series as well, so to wipe that whole series out with two really poor days in conditions that these guys haven’t played in before wouldn’t be that fair.
“But I can honestly see why the people are saying things like that, because no excuses, we just haven’t been good enough in all three departments in the last two days.”
New Zealand batsman Tom Blundell was however thrilled with his sides effort after a dominant second day and after contributing 96 with the bat and sharing in a superb 94-run final wicket partnership with the brilliant Matt Henry (58no) was happy with where the team are in the match.
“I’m pretty happy happy with my performance. It’s been a bit of lean run for me this season, so I’m pretty happy to be out there and spending some time in the middle and to be able to contribute,” said Blundell.
“It was pretty enjoyable to bat with Tears (Henry), he batted so well and was good fun and it has been a hell of a game for him so far.
“We have been outstanding the whole game and to get three tonight was amazing. I think Tears has been outrageous this game and hopefully him and Timmy (Southee) and the rest of the bowlers can do the job tomorrow.”