Ton of joy for Nicholls

HENRY Nicholls notched his eighth Test century as New Zealand stretched its lead to 261 runs at tea on day 2 of the first match against South Africa in Christchurch on Friday.

New Zealand ended the middle session at 7-356 as the wicket flattened into a more suitable batting strip than the green-tinged bowlers’ paradise South Africa was confronted with when it was rolled for 95 on the first day.

Tom Blundell, 41, and Kyle Jamieson, 7, were the not out batsmen.

Nicholls was dropped on 5 and 24, and then gave no chances to South Africa until he edged Duanne Olivier to second slip to be out for 105.

During his 163-ball innings, Nicholls put on 75 for the third wicket with Devon Conway, shared in an 80-run stand with nightwatchman Neil Wagner, added 48 with Daryl Mitchell (16) and 34 with Blundell.

The most substantial partnership in South Africa’s innings was the 33 runs between Zubayr Hamza and Kyle Verreynne.