Live Cricket Score of South Africa vs New Zealand, 1st Test, Day 1 at Durban

It's that time again! The start of another Test series. Absolutely no complaints on that front . If there's a little grouse , it is that New Zealand and hosts South Africa will play only two Tests. They may be ranked fifth and seventh respectively but such is the fickle nature of the rankings table off late that these sides are far better than what their rankings suggest.

South Africa are at home and have several problems that need addressing . For starters, they haven't won a Test series since beating West Indies here before the 2015 World Cup. After reversals against India and England , they now have to contend with the loss of regular captain Ab de Villiers. The superman has been laid low by the T20 circuit. Also missing out is Morne Morkel. On the flipside, the return of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander ought to lift stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis's spirits.

What have you done, JP? It was a lovely partnership that was blossoming before Duminy decided it was alright to play that pull shot. Neil Wagner has worked up good pace in the post-lunch session and test JP with a short delivery. Duminy takes the bait and top-edges the pull straight to a perfectly stationed long-leg fielder. Big wicket for New Zealand straight after the interval.

Here's the captain, Faf du Plessis!

New Zealand come in to the series full of confidence. They've never won a Test series in South African and against a depleted opposition sense their best opportunity to break the duck. They beat Zimbabwe 2-0 to kickstart the Kane Williamson era on a positive note. The chatter from the camp is that South Africa aren't to be underestimated but they will know they have a big series win to add to their kitty before they embark on the India tour.