Expect important heads to be craned skywards as much as peering at the ground ahead of tonight's toss to start the first test on New Zealand's tour of South Africa.

The last time James Franklin was in Cape Town he hit his only test century and remains in the New Zealand, and international, record books for it.

Fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan will remain in South Africa for the upcoming two-test series to replace the injured Tim Southee, who is out for up to six weeks after injuring his thumb.

After Martin Guptill's match-winning ton, APNZ's Daniel Richardson and Kris Shannon take a look back at the five best tons by Kiwis in Twenty20 matches.

Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum knows an already difficult task against South Africa has become even more formidable after the loss Tim Southee to injury.

Central Districts import Peter Trego added a vital 59 runs and took a wicket late in the day to give the Stags a chance of victory after three days of their Plunket Shield encounter with Wellington at Karori Park in the capital.

Jesse Ryder's rampant summer continued for Wellington today as he finished with 162 in the Firebirds' first innings against Central Districts on day two of their Plunket Shield outing at Karori Park in the capital.

New Zealand have copped a withering blast on the eve of their tour to South Africa.

Ross Taylor has disputed NZ Cricket's version of the events that led to him being replaced as Black Caps skipper.

There was one undeniable truth to emerge from the Ross Taylor saga - Mike Hesson is now the most powerful man in NZ cricket.

Ross Taylor says being New Zealand cricket captain was a lonely experience, and he found coach Mike Hesson's tips on how to be a better leader "laughable".

Through all the animosity over the Ross Taylor issue, has anybody stepped back and actually thought that the right decision has been made?

There was no player mutiny nor one in prospect but Ross Taylor's tenure as New Zealand cricket captain was becoming untenable.