NZ vs SA: Test series to be played for Tangiwai Shield commemorating 1953 rail disaster

Much of the talk around the upcoming two-match Test series between New Zealand and South Africa has been about the Proteas missing their frontline players, who are busy playing in the ongoing SA20.

South Africa have named a highly inexperienced side for the tour of New Zealand. The 27-year-old Neil Brand, who is yet to make his debut in international cricket, has been named as the captain. The two teams will be battling it out, not just for important World Test Championship (WTC) points, but also for the prestigious Tangiwai Shield.

All New Zealand versus South Africa Test series will be played for the Tangiwai Shield, starting with the impending two-match series, which begins on Sunday, February 4, in Mount Maunganui. The trophy commemorates the unfortunate event of 1953 when 151 people on the train from Wellington to Auckland on Christmas Eve - including Nerissa Love, the fiancé of Kiwi pacer Bob Blair - lost their lives in the country's worst rail tragedy.

The second Test between New Zealand and South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on December 24, coincided with the disaster. Blair was a part of the New Zealand playing XI for the encounter. On Day 1, New Zealand managed to pick up eight South African wickets, having conceded just 259 runs. After spending Christmas at their team hotel, the Blackcaps woke up on Boxing Day to the unfortunate news of the accident.

Blair stayed back at the hotel, mourning the loss of his beloved fiance. It was later announced that he had withdrawn from the match, and the flags at the ground were lowered to half-mast. However, the fans and players at Ellis Park were left stunned after Blair walked out to the middle when the hosts lost their ninth wicket for 154 in their first innings. The Petone-born stitched a 33-run stand with Bert Sutcliffe and helped New Zealand get to 187 and reduce the deficit. This brave effort from Blair and his teammates has stood the test of time and fans salute their indomitable spirit to this day.

"The background to this Test match is one of the most sad and moving and heart-breaking stories imaginable. It's also an uplifting story of incredible courage and resilience, and in terms of the South African team and public, great compassion and empathy. I'm delighted to see this very important part of cricket history properly recognised and acknowledged," NZC chief executive Scott Weenink was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

 It's important that teams of today and tomorrow know where they came from: CSA Chief Executive

The Shield, which was created by carver David Ngawati (Ngati Hine), is made from the native New Zealand timber puriri and includes an inlaid mere made from pounamu, a type of stone obtained from the Tangiwai in New Zealand's North Island region.

Besides, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release stated that the shield will be blessed and presented to the teams in Tauranga on Friday, February 2. Moreover, ahead of the inaugural series. Cricket South Africa's chief executive hoped that the shield would remind both teams of their roots which they should always cherish.

"On behalf of CSA, I send my best wishes to everyone who was touched by this tragedy, and to both teams contesting the inaugural trophy. It's important that the teams of today and tomorrow know where they came from, and I'm sure the Tangiwai Shield will do much to assist with that," CSA's Chief Executive Pholetsi Moseki said while extending his good wishes to the teams.