Bowlers are restricted to a set ball measurement but batsmen use any willow design which suits their style. While the ball had to fit through a circle measure, batsmen were carting trees to the crease. Another incongruity rode into closer focus in Dunedin as New Zealand and South Africa prepared for the opening duel of their three-test series. However, South African captain Faf du Plessis chose to buck that trend and bat to avoid a fourth innings spinning inspection from Jeetan Patel, Mitchell Santner and Kane Williamson. After a five-minute recess, Williamson and coach Mike Hesson may have stuck with their same side.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 09, 2017 15:56 UTC