Let-off No.1: Elgar cashes in with 140 ...
ONE moment could have changed the way this Test was going, and South Africa batsman Dean Elgar knows he was lucky it went his way.
Elgar was on 36 when New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling dropped a simple chance off Trent Boult.
The opening batsman went on to make a career-best 140 as South Africa recovered from 22-3 to make 308 all out, with Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma also making half-centuries.
“That ball should have gone for four,” Elgar joked. “I nicked it and BJ dropped it... one day it goes your way, one day it doesn’t.
“They bowled pretty well on a wicket that hasn’t really assisted them too much but they were very disciplined. Their bowlers are quality – Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Jeetan Patel so it was hard graft.”
Of those bowlers, Boult was the most successful claiming 4-64 while Wagner picked up 3-88.
In response, New Zealand had reached 177-3 by stumps on day two. Captain Kane Williamson was unbeaten on 78 having put on a 102-run partnership with Jeet Raval.
The big blow for the hosts saw Ross Taylor retire hurt having injured a calf muscle. It is unclear whether he will play any further part in the match.
New Zealand bowler Boult said: “It’s nicely balanced and still a lot of good quality in the changing room that will look to cash in tomorrow.
“We’ve got to look to keep them out there as long as possible.
“We know the first hour will produce a bit of movement sideways off the wicket, and the plan is to keep them out there, build a big first innings lead and have a crack at them with the new ball.”