Proteas seek WC edge in New Zealand

WELLINGTON, Oct 19 (AFP): South Africa opens a one-day series against New Zealand Tuesday looking to strike a psychological blow against the Black Caps ahead of the Cricket World Cup early next year.

The three-match series, which begins in the North Island's picturesque Mount Maunganui, will also give the Proteas a chance to familiarise themselves with local conditions in preparation for the World Cup pool matches they will play at New Zealand venues. On paper, the series should be a mis-match, with South Africa ranked the world's second best ODI team, just behind Australia, while New Zealand languish at seventh.

In addition, the Proteas have three batsmen in the ICC's top 10 (AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock), and two of the world's best-ranked bowlers (Dale Steyn and Ryan McLaren).

New Zealand, meanwhile, have just one player ranked among the ODI elite in batsman Ross Taylor, and he will miss the series with a calf strain.

But the Blacks Caps frequently punch above their weight in the 50-over format, including eliminating the Proteas at the quarter-final stage of the last World Cup in 2011 and claiming a first-ever ODI series win on South African soil last year.

Captain de Villiers said the tourists would not underestimate New Zealand, either in the upcoming series or the World Cup, when he believes home advantage means Brendon McCullum's men will rank among the tournament favourites.

"I wouldn't call them dark horses, I'd say one of the favourites," he said. "They're always a very competitive ODI team. Playing on their home grounds in their country, they'll be even more competitive."