South Africa's batting line up is a magician's trick, where a string of coloured handkerchiefs just keeps coming. Or one of those annoying birthday candles that leave you blue in the face. Or the beer cup snake that's wrapped around Newlands.
Day one of the second Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was not a happy one for batsmen from either side, as 15 wickets tumbled on the day as Sri Lanka reached stumps on a dangerous 78 for five.
The West Indies reached stumps on day one of the Third Test at Newlands on 276 for six, with South Africa's debutant spinner Simon Harmer doing the surprise damage on a normally pacey pitch.
The show moves to Wellington for the second Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, with the hosts leading the series, and the historic Basin Reserve promises enticing viewing for the fans.
After a soggy draw in Port Elizabeth, South Africa still lead the Test series against the West Indies by one game going into the final match in Cape Town, where the Proteas have a formidable record.
It's all about that pace, 'bout that pace! Look, Steyn and Philander love bowling here, and unless the Windies batsmen find the same nuggety reserves they did in PE, this could be a mauling.
The second Test between South Africa and the West Indies ended in a draw on Tuesday, after play on day five was deemed impossible thanks to a wet patch on the outfield that refused to clear.
There was a fair bit of excitement after tea on day four of the second test between the West Indies and South Africa at St Georges on Monday, though persistent rain means a result is unlikely tomorrow.
It was a tense day in Melbourne on Monday, as India and Australia's players kept the verbal sparring up while trying to get an edge in the game, with the fourth day ending with the Aussies leading by 326 runs.
New Zealand fast bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee were the stars in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Christchurch, ensuring an eight-wicket win with a day to spare.
A maiden Test century from opener Dimuth Karunaratne was much-needed by Sri Lanka on day three of the first Test in Christchurch, but the visitors still trailed New Zealand by 10 runs at stumps while following on.
Day two of the second Test in Port Elizabeth was essentially a washout, as the West Indies were only able to bowl six overs and the South Africans lost one wicket in that time.
Australia were in a commanding position at stumps on day two of the third Test against India at the MCG, though India had made a solid start to sit on 108 for one in chasing the 530 the Aussies posted.
Sri Lanka trailed New Zealand by 219 runs at stumps on day two of the first Test in Christchurch, with no wickets down, but they were being forced to follow on after collapsing in just 42 overs.
South Africa enjoyed a sedate yet successful first day in Port Elizabeth, reaching stumps in the second Test against the West Indies on 270 for two, thanks to a big second-wicket stand.
Australia endured a steady but middling first day in Melbourne, as they reached 259 for five at stumps in the third Test as India's bowlers managed to keep a lid on the scoring and remove set batsmen.
New Zealand racked up a whopping 429 for seven on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Christchurch, with skipper Brendon McCullum falling five runs short of a double century that he scored at a blistering pace.
Sri Lanka have not played Test match cricket in New Zealand since 2005 and 2006, when they sustained two defeats, managed one draw and a single victory. Plenty of time to make up and history to correct, then.
Australia forged ahead to a two-nil lead in the Test series against India, winning the second match in Brisbane by four wickets on Saturday, leaving the sides with an extra day to prepare for the third Test.
South Africa paceman Dale Steyn was at his fiery best on Saturday morning, ripping through the West Indies batting order to see his side to victory in the first Test by an innings and 220 runs in Centurion.
South Africa look set to wallop the West Indies by an innings, inside five days, after they bowled the visiting side out for 201 runs for a first-innings deficit of 341.
South Africa declared on a mammoth 552 for five after captain Hashim Amla notched up his third Test double hundred on day three of the first Test against the West Indies at Centurion.
