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The look of a well-grassed Jade Stadium strip has made fools of test cricket captains in the past, and the New Zealand and South African skippers should beware when the second test starts today.

New Zealand's team management was perhaps taken in by the conditions at Eden Park for the first test and spent the rest of the tedious match regretting it. While easy to say in hindsight, the chance to bat first on an easy-paced pitch was lost.

The temptation in recent seasons in Christchurch has been for captains to translate the amount of grass cover into seam movement but invariably not a lot occurs. The wicket actually plays better with grass left on.

Remarkably, on a wicket with a reputation of quality, the toss-winning captain has sent in the opposition for the past six Christchurch tests.

The most celebrated decision to backfire was in 1991-92, when New Zealand sent England in and it scored 580. Undeterred, the Kiwis sent Australia in the following season and it scored 485. The following season the same pattern - New Zealand sent Pakistan in; it prospered with 344.

In 1994-95 West Indies sent New Zealand in and the Black Caps made a respectable 341. The following summer New Zealand invited Pakistan to bat and, despite the visitors being all out for 208, the openers put on 135 at a rollicking rate.

In the last test played at the ground, two seasons ago, England sent New Zealand in and the Kiwis responded with 346, although they eventually lost the match.

However, while all recent history suggests that a toss-winning team should have the confidence to bat first, this game is not played in the past.

With a forecast of patchy rain and some unsettled weather, it may tempt another sending-in decision.

South Africa would certainly consider it a viable option with its battery of fast-bowling resources, led by the redoubtable Allan Donald.

New Zealand also could argue that its best chance lies with Simon Doull and his bowling crew.

Whatever the pitch machinations, the match represents an outstanding opportunity for the Proteas to go one up in the three-test series.

New Zealand's injury woes have depleted its resources to the extent that of the top order, only Matthew Horne has played all three tests since the first test against India.

The Black Caps' batting depth is far from bottomless, but they must draw on whatever reservoirs of as-yet-untapped spirit remain.

By contrast South Africa, which decided not to train yesterday, has had an abundance of cricket of late, and will take a settled line-up into the game. Donald is restored to full fitness after a minor stomach strain curtailed his performance in Auckland.

New Zealand will doubtless ponder the merits of left-arm pace bowlers Geoff Allott and Shayne O'Connor for the final place in the playing XI.

Allott deserves another chance on a bouncy home pitch that should suit his bowling style, although O'Connor tested the Proteas with a four-wicket burst at Lincoln Green. If cloudy conditions prevail, it would enhance his chances.

Teams:

New Zealand - Matthew Horne, Bryan Young, Roger Twose, Nathan Astle, Gary Stead, Chris Harris, Adam Parore, Dion Nash (captain), Daniel Vettori, Simon Doull, Geoff Allott, Shayne O'Connor.

South Africa - Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, Hansie Cronje (captain), Jonty Rhodes, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, Lance Klusener, Paul Adams, Allan Donald.

Umpires: Dave Quested, K.T. Francis.