There won’t be the traditional whites on display when the players walk out on to the field on the Boxing Day. New Zealand and South Africa, instead, will meet in the deciding T20 in Port Elizabeth.
There was plenty of criticism over the scrapping of the traditional Boxing Day test as Cricket South Africa opted to go for the T20s first to utilize the available days to the optimum.
The fact that New Zealand also do not pose as big a challenge in test cricket could be seen as a reason why Boxing Day test was replaced with a T20.
New Zealand scrapped to a last-ball win in the second T20 though to keep the series alive and make the day significant.
Martin Guptill made a fine comeback from sickness to score an unbeaten century and the performance has not only lifted the morale in the squad but has also given the team some hope of taking the series.
Brendon McCullum, the captain, insists the performance was not a one-off and hoped the players will be able to repeat their performance. Trent Boult who missed the first two matches due to sickness could make a comeback.
South Africa, although level in the series, would not be too disappointed and still enter Wednesday’s match as heavy favorites.
Henry Davids and David Miller seized their opportunity to the fullest while captain Faf du Plessis has made an effortless transition from a novice few months ago to the team captain.
Richard Levi’s consistent failures ever since he blazed his famous century puts him under a lot of pressure and the final match could decide his fate for the longer run.
Aaron Phangiso, the slow left-arm bowler, was taken to task but will remain in the playing eleven unless Justin Ontong is selected to replace him.
The match starts at 2.30pm local time and a roaring holidaying crowd is expected at the match.