New Zealand Not Focused On Test Rankings, Says Kyle Jamieson Ahead Of The Second Test Against South Africa

New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson said that the defending World Test champions are not looking to reclaim the no.1 spot on the ICC Test team rankings when they take on South Africa in the second clash in their two-match series on Friday.

Tom Latham-led New Zealand had crushed South Africa, captained by Dean Elgar after Matt Henry picked 9 wickets and made a half-century from no.11 spot in the first Test. If they manage to beat the Proteas in the second Test match as well, they will replace Australia at the top of the Test rankings.

On the other hand, a draw would give New Zealand their first series win over the South Africans, and Jamieson stressed the squad would be thinking only about the task at hand. New Zealand handed the visitors a heavy defeat in their previous meeting, with the Blackcaps claiming victory by an innings and 276 runs.

It’s About Us Trying To Back Up That Last Game: Kyle Jamieson

The 276-run loss was South Africa’s worst defeat since losing to Australia in Johannesburg in 2002 by an innings and 300 runs and was only New Zealand’s fifth win over the Proteas in 46 Tests. This was also special, as New Zealand was without two of their best batters in Kane Williamson, who is dealing with his elbow issues, and Ross Taylor, who retired from the game after the Bangladesh Test series.

“I think for the group, it’s about each Test as it comes. There’s other things that just come through the work of each session and each day. While it’s cool to get those milestones and stuff, it’s not the focal point. It’s about us trying to back up that last game, and if we do that, hopefully we’ll come away with a win,” Jamieson was quoted by Reuters.

The tall all-rounder also spoke about the conditions at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch for the second Test match and expected not many big changes.

“Hagley tends to be pretty much the same for the most part. It’s certainly bowler-friendly, and it tends to flatten out as the game goes on. It’s the same sort of blueprint for us and just trying to back that [first Test victory] up,” Jamieson added.

Also Read: Shane Watson Shares His Opinions On The Leadership Styles Of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma