The Eden Park pitch is expected to be slow

Team manager Lindsay Crocker revealed they wanted to drop in a practice pitch, with better pace and bounce, to replace the existing Eden Park surface.

"It looked good in training," said Crocker. "With the portable technology we thought there was a chance."

But NZC called the plan 'inappropriate' and are happy with the current wicket.

Eden Park doubles as a rugby ground and machinery is in place which allows the pitches to be swapped.

South Africa were also understood to be keen on changing the wicket as predictions show the ground is likely to be slow and not suited to attacking cricket.

SA cast doubt over pitch

The first Test in Hamilton was also overshadowed by concerns about the state of the playing surface.

Groundsman disguised a hole in the turf by glueing loose pieces of turf back in place after the third day.

Despite concerns over the pitch in Auckland, New Zealand coach John Bracewell predicted a lively match on 18 March.

"They're two sides going at it hammer and tongs and I think it's bloody great cricket," said Bracewell.