Mark Richardson: Opportunity batted away

Graeme Smith. Photo / Getty Images

What a wasted opportunity the New Zealand first innings was. When Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor were together, the Black Caps had a golden chance to work towards a decent lead.

The lead they should have got would have made it very hard for South Africa to set them a target loaded in the visitors' favour. However, even with that opportunity lost, this target is very gettable today.

Why did McCullum and Taylor play poor shots in that first innings? Only they will know. They weren't poor shots in terms of decision-making but rather execution.

That seems to be the main issue with the Black Caps batting in test cricket. They all seem to find a way to get out too regularly - though our hopes of saving or even winning this test today likely rest with that same pairing.

If they want a demonstration of quality execution over long periods, then McCullum and Taylor's counterparts Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith provided it.

Kallis described it as ugly - but it wasn't. What Kallis and Smith did, as they put on 200 together and batted South Africa out of danger and into dominance, was not ugly at all, it was clinical.

That's exactly what's needed in the Black Caps' batting mentality; to be relentless in their stroke play. That is not an onslaught of aggression, they are quite happy with that mentality. It is rather the consistent ability to keep plugging away until they gain parity with the opposition and then sticking with it until they are dominant.

Too often our players are able to bat for the time required to get out of trouble but not the time required to turn the tables.

You got the feeling watching McCullum and Taylor play late yesterday that they heeded that lesson.

I was impressed with how resolute Brendon McCullum was and, given Taylor has had so little time in the middle of late, his application was commendable.

How long can it be maintained today - because a great and unexpected victory is not out of the question here.

Regardless of the outcome, I am keen on a change. If the game in Hamilton is played in similarly dry conditions, then it's time surely to try Tarun Nethula at the expense of Tim Southee, who looked down on confidence in this test.

Maybe Hamilton and its potential to swing (and maybe if New Zealand pull off the unlikely win today), could save him but, if it looks in any way dry, I'd like to see Nethula play.

Forget strengthening the batting, that won't help if the top don't do the job, but the wicket-taking potential of a leg spin option is badly needed.

Between Chris Martin, Doug Bracewell and Daniel Vettori, there are plenty of tight overs to be bowled from the other end.

But wickets are key because New Zealand can't rely on declarations to provide the chance of winning if they want to move forward.