Proteas in command despite blip

SOUTH Africa held on to a strong position despite a toporder batting collapse in their second innings on the third day of the second Test against New Zealand yesterday.

The Proteas were 105/6 at the close, an overall lead of 372 runs on a pitch offering assistance to bowlers, with swing, seam and uneven bounce.

New Zealand hit back after conceding a first innings lead of 267, with Tim Southee and Trent Boult taking two wickets each to reduce SA to 47/4.

Doug Bracewell and Neil Wagner also picked up wickets, with only Quinton de Kock shining for the South Africans, with his second half-century of the match.

SA’s three-pronged pace attack had New Zealand bowled out for 214 in their first innings.

Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada took three wickets each and Vernon Philander claimed two.

Only captain Kane Williamson stood ground for New Zealand. He was last man out for 77.

New Zealand hit back, however, with three wickets in 10 balls. Stephen Cook was trapped in front by Boult for four before Southee dismissed Hashim Amla, caught at first slip, and JP Duminy, leg before wicket, in the next over. –