Black Caps, Proteas on equal footing

The first cricket Test between New Zealand and South Africa was evenly poised after an eventful second day yesterday.

When stumps were drawn, New Zealand were 177-3, trailing South Africa by 131 runs after the tourists were bowled out for 308 following a lower order batting collapse.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was 78 not out at the close, having shared a 102-run second wicket partnership with Jeet Raval (52), then a tense fourth wicket stand with nightwatchman Jeetan Patel (9 not out).

The Proteas started the day in a strong position at 229-4, with Dean Elgar unbeaten on 128 and Temba Bavuma on 38, but lost their last six wickets for just 56 runs to be dismissed for 308 shortly after lunch at University Oval.

Elgar posted his highest Test score of 140 and Bavuma made 64 before Trent Boult (4-64) and Neil Wagner (3-88) combined to mop up the tail.

Elgar added 12 runs in 50 minutes to his overnight score of 128, passing his previous Test best of 129, before falling to his former schoolboy rival Wagner.

“It was hard graft this morning and obviously we got a few rewards for it later on,” Wagner said.. “It was harder graft again over the bat and obviously good cricket all round.

“I thought South Africa batted well yesterday and batted well this morning again, but as bowlers, we stuck at it and kept fighting. Finally we got a couple of breakthroughs and things started happening for us.”