The Black Caps will lock horns with South Africa in 50-over cricket tonight for the first time since their thrilling World Cup semi-final win at Eden Park.
Tom Latham and Ross Taylor appeal successfully for the wicket of South Africa's Wayne Parnell. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
They'll be defending their number 3 world ranking in the three match series, which begins in Centurion tonight.
Mike Hesson's side salvaged a 1-all draw in the T20 series after a 32-run win at the same venue on Monday morning.
Captain Brendon McCullum may be back home resting, but opening batsmen Tom Latham says his influence still looms large over the team.
"The cricket we've been playing over the last couple of years has created a really good environment and I think Brendon, Mike Hesson and Mike Sandal have created that environment.
"Everyone loves being here and playing for our country and Brendon talked about it being the time of our lives and it has been at the moment."
Following his side's draw against South Africa in the second T20 match, Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said his side must build momentum on the back of their One Day series win over Zimbabwe.
"We're just about continually trying to improve and I think we've made some good improvements, we have got a lot of new players and I think the way they responded was excellent.
"Hopefully we put South Africa under pressure and you never know what's going to happen."
The New Zealand cricket coach Mike Hesson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Mike Hesson said he's unafraid of South Africa's prolific fast bowling attack ahead of their three match one day series.
Hesson says his batsmen can cope with fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
"We dealt with Morne Morkel pretty well in that first game and Dale (Steyn), if the ball swings, will be challenging.
"It's a pretty abrasive surface so it's likely to reverse as well so there will be some challenges, we've just got to play well enough to put them under pressure and see how they respond."
Meanwhile the South African cricketers' apparent bowling plans against the Black Caps have appeared on Facebook.
Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, and Colin Munro are labelled as susceptible to bouncers, while captain Kane Williamson is described as a poor puller of the ball.
The plans describe George Worker and Luke Ronchi as compulsive pullers, and Nathan McCullum as a player who often gets caught at deep square leg.
A hotel guest in Centurion claimed the plans were slipped under her door.
Tonight's opener starts at 10.30pm NZ time.
