All eyes will be on the skies over the Basin Reserve on Friday morning with the weather expected to play a big part in deciding the outcome of the third cricket Test between New Zealand and South Africa.
Rain has hampered preparation for the final Test of the series with the tourists holding a 1-0 lead after a crushing nine-wicket win in Hamilton.
Neither side has been able to train fully during the week with the Proteas the only ones to practice at the ground, while New Zealand was restricted to indoor action.
Strong winds and occasional showers are expected during the first three days. With conflicting reports of what the weather will do, Black Caps skipper Ross Taylor says they need to be ready for anything.
“If it rains, it rains, if it doesn’t we just have to get out there.
“You just have to play it by ear and be expected to play the whole time. When it’s time to do business you get out there and perform your role,” he said.
Graeme Smith scored an unbeaten 125 to steer his side to a six-wicket win when the Proteas last played in Wellington eight years ago, a Test he remembers as also being battered by severe gales.
It lingers in his memory and the South Africa captain knows his bowlers will be tested by the conditions despite reports that the pitch will have pace and bounce.
“We could have a few bowlers being a bit temperamental.
“All the guys are prepared to bowl into the wind. That’s what we discussed in our team meeting,” he said.
New Zealand will be hoping that Vernon Philander’s effectiveness is blunted by the conditions as they seek to find a way to nullify the Capetonian.
His 10-wicket haul won the tourists the second Test and Taylor hinted they may go after the 26-year-old.
“We have to deny him and if we do that, I’m sure we will put a bit more pressure on South Africa.
“When we have played him attackingly we have come out on top, so maybe that’s the way we go about it,” said Taylor.
New Zealand are expected to make two changes to their side from the Hamilton defeat, opting to beef up their wafer-thin batting with six out-and-out batsmen.
Recalled left-hander Daniel Flynn is expected to open the innings in his first Test since December 2009 while No.6 Dean Brownlie has recovered from a fractured finger suffered against Zimbabwe in January.
South Africa are likely to be unchanged.