The South Africa v New Zealand series will get underway in the first Test match scheduled to be played at Kingsmead in Durban. While there definitely will be 22 players who take the field on Friday, it certainly is clear that there will be eyeballs on certain individual players who will be aiming to make a mark on the upcoming tour. That said, we take a quick look at five players who could make a difference in the first Test match at Kingsmead.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/11/Dale-Steyn-during-the-1st-Test-vs-India.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40704"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40704" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Dale-Steyn-during-the-1st-Test-vs-India.jpg" alt="right-arm pacers" width="700" height="478" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40704" class="wp-caption-text">Dale Steyn. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

The 33-year old Dale Steyn is certainly not getting any younger. Having been ruled out courtesy of injury for the better part of a year, it is clear that Steyn will certainly not be at his fiery best when it comes to playing the longest format of the game.

However, with Morne Morkel missing from action, it is clear that the onus will fall on Dale Steyn to come up with the goods. In the previous match’s press conference, Steyn was quoted saying that he was indeed ready to sacrifice his pace for his fitness.

Although that fact remains to be seen, one certainly cannot imagine Steyn bowling anything lower than 90 miles per hour. The target for Steyn will most certainly be getting through 18 overs per innings at the very least should he have any ambitions of prolonging his cricketing career.<br>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Ish-Sodhi-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-80748"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-80748" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ish-Sodhi-1.jpg" alt="Ish Sodhi " width="600" height="385" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80748" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand&#8217;s Ish Sodhi. (Photo credit PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The 23-year old leg-break bowler has been in impressive form of late and has also been amongst the wickets in the recently concluded tour of Zimbabwe. He will be expected to provide a foil for left-arm spinner, Mitchell Santner, as the duo aim to dislodge the South Africans in their own backyard.

Ever since striking gold by finding Ish Sodhi, it has become clear that the New Zealand side has improved in their overseas tours. Moreover, the fact of the matter remains that Sodhi is most definitely a world-class commodity.

While spinners have not received much on South African tracks, Sodhi will be hoping that his leg-spin will account for a few wickets at the very least. Moreover, the fact that he has been in good form of late will add to his quality as a bowler.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Kane-Williamson.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-79468"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-79468" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="600" height="488" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-79468" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The New Zealand skipper will be hoping that he becomes the first ever Kiwi skipper to pull off a series win over South Africa. Speaking about Williamson, one can do little but to think about his simply flawless batting technique, something that has accounted for most of his runs in the Test scenario.

What is more for Williamson is the fact that a special record beckons for him in terms of becoming the player with the most number of Test match centuries. At 14 centuries, Williamson is 3 centuries away from equalling the record of Martin Crowe, the former New Zealand skipper.

All in all, this will be Williamson’s first big test in the Test match scene. Having debuted as Test match skipper earlier this month in the series against Zimbabwe, it will be interesting to see his approach when it comes to playing a quality opposition like South Africa.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Tim-Southee-2.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-80753"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-80753" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tim-Southee-2.jpg" alt="Tim Southee" width="600" height="407" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80753" class="wp-caption-text">Tim Southee. (Photo by Jan Kruger-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)</figcaption>

One of New Zealand’s premier pace bowlers at the moment, Tim Southee will be expected to lead the Kiwi pace attack. Moreover, should he impress with his performances in the series, he could well go on to become yet another Kiwi to reach 200 wickets?

Although he was largely subdued in the series against Zimbabwe, Southee impressed one and all with some impressive performances as well as creating inroads for the likes of Trent Boult and Neil Wagner in the recently concluded series.

With the South African tracks offering a variety of pace and zip, it is clear that Southee will be expected to get some purchase out of the wickets in the series. However, whether or not he manages to find his rhythm remains to be seen.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Hashim-Amla.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-80754"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-80754" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hashim-Amla.jpg" alt="Hashim Amla" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80754" class="wp-caption-text">South African batsman Hashim Amla. (Photo credit GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

In almost all the Test series that are played, a majority portion of the eyeballs will most definitely be on Hashim Amla. The stylish and wristy right-handed batsman is an important piece of the puzzle for South Africa as he is expected to perform almost each time he graces the field with his presence.

As far as records go, Amla stands on the brink of breaking Graeme Smith’s record of 27 Test match centuries. Although he is miles away from Jacques Kallis, he is only two centuries shy of former South African skipper Graeme Smith.

Although Amla was removed from the captaincy position earlier this year, it was clear that he wanted to focus on his batting. Now, that the burden of captaincy has been lifted from his shoulders, one can only assume that he will be back to his best.

<strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/sa-v-nz-1st-test-preview-proteas-aiming-get-test-cricket-track/" target="_blank">SA v NZ, 1st Test Preview: Proteas aiming to get Test cricket on track</a></strong>

<p>The South Africa v New Zealand series will get underway in the first Test match scheduled to be played at Kingsmead in Durban. While there definitely will be 22 players who take the field on Friday, it certainly is clear that there will be eyeballs on certain individual players who will be aiming to make a mark on the upcoming tour. That said, we take a quick look at five players who could make a difference in the first Test match at Kingsmead.</p>
<h4><strong>Dale Steyn</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_40704" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40704" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/11/Dale-Steyn-during-the-1st-Test-vs-India.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40704"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-40704" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Dale-Steyn-during-the-1st-Test-vs-India.jpg" alt="right-arm pacers" width="700" height="478" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40704" class="wp-caption-text">Dale Steyn. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The 33-year old Dale Steyn is certainly not getting any younger. Having been ruled out courtesy of injury for the better part of a year, it is clear that Steyn will certainly not be at his fiery best when it comes to playing the longest format of the game.</p>
<p>However, with Morne Morkel missing from action, it is clear that the onus will fall on Dale Steyn to come up with the goods. In the previous match’s press conference, Steyn was quoted saying that he was indeed ready to sacrifice his pace for his fitness.</p>
<p>Although that fact remains to be seen, one certainly cannot imagine Steyn bowling anything lower than 90 miles per hour. The target for Steyn will most certainly be getting through 18 overs per innings at the very least should he have any ambitions of prolonging his cricketing career.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>Ish Sodhi</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_80748" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-80748" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Ish-Sodhi-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-80748"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-80748" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ish-Sodhi-1.jpg" alt="Ish Sodhi " width="600" height="385" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80748" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi. (Photo credit PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The 23-year old leg-break bowler has been in impressive form of late and has also been amongst the wickets in the recently concluded tour of Zimbabwe. He will be expected to provide a foil for left-arm spinner, Mitchell Santner, as the duo aim to dislodge the South Africans in their own backyard.</p>
<p>Ever since striking gold by finding Ish Sodhi, it has become clear that the New Zealand side has improved in their overseas tours. Moreover, the fact of the matter remains that Sodhi is most definitely a world-class commodity.</p>
<p>While spinners have not received much on South African tracks, Sodhi will be hoping that his leg-spin will account for a few wickets at the very least. Moreover, the fact that he has been in good form of late will add to his quality as a bowler.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>Kane Williamson</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_79468" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-79468" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Kane-Williamson.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-79468"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-79468" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="600" height="488" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-79468" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The New Zealand skipper will be hoping that he becomes the first ever Kiwi skipper to pull off a series win over South Africa. Speaking about Williamson, one can do little but to think about his simply flawless batting technique, something that has accounted for most of his runs in the Test scenario.</p>
<p>What is more for Williamson is the fact that a special record beckons for him in terms of becoming the player with the most number of Test match centuries. At 14 centuries, Williamson is 3 centuries away from equalling the record of Martin Crowe, the former New Zealand skipper.</p>
<p>All in all, this will be Williamson’s first big test in the Test match scene. Having debuted as Test match skipper earlier this month in the series against Zimbabwe, it will be interesting to see his approach when it comes to playing a quality opposition like South Africa.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>Tim Southee</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_80753" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-80753" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Tim-Southee-2.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-80753"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-80753" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tim-Southee-2.jpg" alt="Tim Southee" width="600" height="407" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80753" class="wp-caption-text">Tim Southee. (Photo by Jan Kruger-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>One of New Zealand’s premier pace bowlers at the moment, Tim Southee will be expected to lead the Kiwi pace attack. Moreover, should he impress with his performances in the series, he could well go on to become yet another Kiwi to reach 200 wickets?</p>
<p>Although he was largely subdued in the series against Zimbabwe, Southee impressed one and all with some impressive performances as well as creating inroads for the likes of Trent Boult and Neil Wagner in the recently concluded series.</p>
<p>With the South African tracks offering a variety of pace and zip, it is clear that Southee will be expected to get some purchase out of the wickets in the series. However, whether or not he manages to find his rhythm remains to be seen.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>Hashim Amla</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_80754" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-80754" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Hashim-Amla.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-80754"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-80754" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hashim-Amla.jpg" alt="Hashim Amla" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80754" class="wp-caption-text">South African batsman Hashim Amla. (Photo credit GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>In almost all the Test series that are played, a majority portion of the eyeballs will most definitely be on Hashim Amla. The stylish and wristy right-handed batsman is an important piece of the puzzle for South Africa as he is expected to perform almost each time he graces the field with his presence.</p>
<p>As far as records go, Amla stands on the brink of breaking Graeme Smith’s record of 27 Test match centuries. Although he is miles away from Jacques Kallis, he is only two centuries shy of former South African skipper Graeme Smith.</p>
<p>Although Amla was removed from the captaincy position earlier this year, it was clear that he wanted to focus on his batting. Now, that the burden of captaincy has been lifted from his shoulders, one can only assume that he will be back to his best.</p>
<h5><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/sa-v-nz-1st-test-preview-proteas-aiming-get-test-cricket-track/" target="_blank">SA v NZ, 1st Test Preview: Proteas aiming to get Test cricket on track</a></strong></h5>

<p>The South Africa v New Zealand series will get underway in the first Test match scheduled to be played at Kingsmead in Durban. While there definitely will be 22 players who take the field on Friday, it certainly is clear that there will be eyeballs on certain individual players who will be aiming to make a mark on the upcoming tour. That said, we take a quick look at five players who could make a difference in the first Test match at Kingsmead.</p>
<h4><strong>Dale Steyn</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_40704" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40704" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/11/Dale-Steyn-during-the-1st-Test-vs-India.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40704"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40704" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Dale-Steyn-during-the-1st-Test-vs-India.jpg" alt="right-arm pacers" width="700" height="478" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40704" class="wp-caption-text">Dale Steyn. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The 33-year old Dale Steyn is certainly not getting any younger. Having been ruled out courtesy of injury for the better part of a year, it is clear that Steyn will certainly not be at his fiery best when it comes to playing the longest format of the game.</p>
<p>However, with Morne Morkel missing from action, it is clear that the onus will fall on Dale Steyn to come up with the goods. In the previous match’s press conference, Steyn was quoted saying that he was indeed ready to sacrifice his pace for his fitness.</p>
<p>Although that fact remains to be seen, one certainly cannot imagine Steyn bowling anything lower than 90 miles per hour. The target for Steyn will most certainly be getting through 18 overs per innings at the very least should he have any ambitions of prolonging his cricketing career.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>Ish Sodhi</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_80748" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-80748" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Ish-Sodhi-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-80748"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-80748" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ish-Sodhi-1.jpg" alt="Ish Sodhi " width="600" height="385" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80748" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand&#8217;s Ish Sodhi. (Photo credit PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The 23-year old leg-break bowler has been in impressive form of late and has also been amongst the wickets in the recently concluded tour of Zimbabwe. He will be expected to provide a foil for left-arm spinner, Mitchell Santner, as the duo aim to dislodge the South Africans in their own backyard.</p>
<p>Ever since striking gold by finding Ish Sodhi, it has become clear that the New Zealand side has improved in their overseas tours. Moreover, the fact of the matter remains that Sodhi is most definitely a world-class commodity.</p>
<p>While spinners have not received much on South African tracks, Sodhi will be hoping that his leg-spin will account for a few wickets at the very least. Moreover, the fact that he has been in good form of late will add to his quality as a bowler.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>Kane Williamson</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_79468" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-79468" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Kane-Williamson.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-79468"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-79468" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="600" height="488" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-79468" class="wp-caption-text">New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The New Zealand skipper will be hoping that he becomes the first ever Kiwi skipper to pull off a series win over South Africa. Speaking about Williamson, one can do little but to think about his simply flawless batting technique, something that has accounted for most of his runs in the Test scenario.</p>
<p>What is more for Williamson is the fact that a special record beckons for him in terms of becoming the player with the most number of Test match centuries. At 14 centuries, Williamson is 3 centuries away from equalling the record of Martin Crowe, the former New Zealand skipper.</p>
<p>All in all, this will be Williamson’s first big test in the Test match scene. Having debuted as Test match skipper earlier this month in the series against Zimbabwe, it will be interesting to see his approach when it comes to playing a quality opposition like South Africa.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>Tim Southee</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_80753" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-80753" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Tim-Southee-2.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-80753"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-80753" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tim-Southee-2.jpg" alt="Tim Southee" width="600" height="407" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80753" class="wp-caption-text">Tim Southee. (Photo by Jan Kruger-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>One of New Zealand’s premier pace bowlers at the moment, Tim Southee will be expected to lead the Kiwi pace attack. Moreover, should he impress with his performances in the series, he could well go on to become yet another Kiwi to reach 200 wickets?</p>
<p>Although he was largely subdued in the series against Zimbabwe, Southee impressed one and all with some impressive performances as well as creating inroads for the likes of Trent Boult and Neil Wagner in the recently concluded series.</p>
<p>With the South African tracks offering a variety of pace and zip, it is clear that Southee will be expected to get some purchase out of the wickets in the series. However, whether or not he manages to find his rhythm remains to be seen.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>Hashim Amla</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_80754" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-80754" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Hashim-Amla.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-80754"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-80754" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hashim-Amla.jpg" alt="Hashim Amla" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80754" class="wp-caption-text">South African batsman Hashim Amla. (Photo credit GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>In almost all the Test series that are played, a majority portion of the eyeballs will most definitely be on Hashim Amla. The stylish and wristy right-handed batsman is an important piece of the puzzle for South Africa as he is expected to perform almost each time he graces the field with his presence.</p>
<p>As far as records go, Amla stands on the brink of breaking Graeme Smith’s record of 27 Test match centuries. Although he is miles away from Jacques Kallis, he is only two centuries shy of former South African skipper Graeme Smith.</p>
<p>Although Amla was removed from the captaincy position earlier this year, it was clear that he wanted to focus on his batting. Now, that the burden of captaincy has been lifted from his shoulders, one can only assume that he will be back to his best.</p>
<h5><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/sa-v-nz-1st-test-preview-proteas-aiming-get-test-cricket-track/" target="_blank">SA v NZ, 1st Test Preview: Proteas aiming to get Test cricket on track</a></strong></h5>

South Africa v New Zealand: Five Players to watch out for

The South Africa v New Zealand series will get underway in the first Test match scheduled to be played at Kingsmead in Durban. While there definitely will..