How the Black Caps rated in their rained out draw in the opening test against South Africa in Dunedin.
Rob Nicol - 4/10
Showed pluck to hang around for 90 minutes in the second innings against a barrage of bowling from some of the world's best but wouldn't be happy with just 25 runs from his test debut. Solid catch to dismiss Graeme Smith in the first innings.
Martin Guptill - 4/10
After being in the form of his life just a matter of weeks ago, Guptill seemed out of sorts in the first test after poor footwork let him down in both dismissals. Partially made up for his failures with the bat by taking a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Hashim Amla - however he also dropped a sitter off Dale Steyn which was luckily palmed into the direction of Ross Taylor.
Brendon McCullum - 7/10
Scored more than 100 runs in the test and was robbed of a chance at making history by leading a miracle chase in the fourth innings.
Soft dismissal in the first innings when the Black Caps were in a position to take control of the test. Positive batting in his second knock though would have dented the South African bowlers confidence somewhat heading into the second test.
Ross Taylor - 7/10
In the same boat as his vice-captain. Threw away his wicket in the first innings but turned that around with some positive batting on the fourth day. Reliable in the field and made solid bowling decisions as captain.
Kane Williamson - 4/10
Another failure means the young ND batsman has averaged just 14.5 runs in this last six innings. Time to worry?
Daniel Vettori - 6/10
Once again a valuable knock when New Zealand needed it. Similar to McCullum and Taylor however in that he set a platform to push on and didn't. Unlucky to have just one wicket in the test and did a good job tying up one end while the pace bowlers reaped the rewards.
Kruger van Wyk - 6/10
Impressed with the bat in the first innings when he took control of a crucial partnership with Doug Bracewell when the New Zealand tail was exposed. Will need a big knock in Hamilton though to retain the wicketkeeping position if BJ Watling is fit for the third test. Handy behind the stumps in tandem with Bracewell to run out Mark Boucher.
Doug Bracewell - 7.5/10
Along with Chris Martin gave New Zealand a second attacking option with the ball and was the pick of the attack. Needs to work on his no-balls as that's two wickets overturned now in three tests due to overstepping. Finally proved he's reliable with a bat at test level for a very handy 25 to ensure the Black Caps gained a first innings lead. Also played the part in two run outs. A great all-round display.
Tim Southee - 2/10
Tempted to give him zero as that's how many wickets and runs he had in the test. Possibly a long summer catching up on him due to heavy reliance in all forms of the game.
Trent Boult - 5/10
Solid but nothing spectacular. Heavy hitting provided entertainment at the end of New Zealand's first innings.
Chris Martin - 7/10
Fine spell in the first innings to pick up three wickets in four balls. Scored more runs than wickets. Is he a genuine all-rounder?
- HERALD ONLINE
