Black Caps v South Africa - 2nd test

How the Black Caps rated in their nine wicket loss in the second test against South Africa in Hamilton. Rob Nicol - 2/10 Just three runs in the test and looked out of sorts during his 28 minutes at the crease. Omission from the squad was warranted. Martin Guptill - 3/10 Averaging a touch over 11 against Australia and South Africa this summer - like Nicol - the step up from Zimbabwe has been too much. Will be interesting how he goes with a new batting partner in the third test. Brendon McCullum - 6/10 Another decent first innings knock ruined by poor selection after he picked out the man in the deep. The first of the 'five for zero' club he obviously can't be blamed for the other four dismissals but he did start the butterfly effect. Up until then he was in great form, putting away anything remotely loose. Poor showing in the second innings put the Black Caps immediately in a hole Ross Taylor - 5/10 From first test ratings: "In the same boat as his vice-captain. Threw away his wicket in the first innings..." Maybe the third test should be an audition for the captain's role so one of these two could produce an actual captain's knock. As soon as both depart it seems like the end of the innings is not too far away. Kane Williamson - 7/10 His second innings knock should give him a huge confidence boost. Arrived at the crease with the side at 7 for three and spent over four hours out in the middle. Exactly what the side needed, unfortunately no other top order batsmen were in on the plan. Daniel Vettori - 4/10 Has now bowled 68 overs in the series for just two wickets. He's not getting carted around the field but seems like less of a wicket-taking threat. Batting also taking a backward step. Is the lack of international exposure hurting his test game, are the pitches to blame or is he just in a funk? Kruger van Wyk - 6/10 Another determined display with the bat in both innings but again failing to push on. Great work behind the stumps proves the value of having a genuine keeper in the side. His catch to dismiss Smith in the first innings was class. Doug Bracewell - 5/10 Good bowling effort but nothing spectacular. Although his batting shouldn't be entirely relied on at number eight, he record his first pair in test cricket which now equals to four ducks in 10 innings - even Chris Martin would be shaking his head. Mark Gillespie - 8/10 His four wicket spell in the first innings put the Black Caps in a position to take control of the match, however the rest of the bowling attack couldn't help him finish the job. Gave up a few runs in the second innings but the match was over by then. Helpful runs with the bat as well. Brent Arnel - 3/10 Had one job which was to tie up one end and failed to do so. Because of that he bowled only nine overs in the first innings, producing 49 runs without a wicket. Maybe an extra batsman would have been the better option. Chris Martin - 6/10 Crucial wickets of Graeme Smith and Dale Steyn to give the Black Caps some momentum after a disastrous first innings. Didn't get a chance at the South Africa tail in the first innings which could have made a difference.