Black Caps fight back from brink
Daryl Mitchell has stressed the job is only half done for him and Colin de Grandhomme after getting to stumps unbeaten yesterday.
The Black Caps will resume day three of the second test against South Africa today at 157-5, trailing the Proteas by 207 runs on the first innings.
New Zealand were in strife at 91-5 in response to South Africa’s first innings total of 364, but Mitchell and de Grandhomme gave them hope late on day two.
The duo combined for an unbroken 66-run sixth wicket stand with de Grandhomme unbeaten on 54, his ninth test 50, and Mitchell there on 29.
The hard-hitting de Grandhomme played his trademark attacking way and unsettled South Africa’s bowling unit.
‘‘It’s always good fun to bat with ‘Dutchy’ [de Grandhomme],’’ Mitchell said.
‘‘He put a lot of pressure back on their bowlers which is what he does naturally. He hits the ball so cleanly and makes it look pretty at times. It was awesome for him to come out and play his natural game and keep trying to hit the bad balls and put them away.
‘‘It was a great knock from him, but we also know there’s plenty of work to be done, as well to keep trying to put that pressure back on South Africa.’’
South Africa’s accurate bowling and chilly, overcast conditions made batting difficult, but Mitchell still believed there was plenty in the wicket for both batters and bowlers.
‘‘I think it’s a good test wicket. If you put the ball in the right areas and ask questions, it’s tough.
‘‘At the same time when [the bowlers] miss that allows us opportunities to score. I think it’s a typical Hagley wicket. It’s always a great test wicket here and it produces victories for both teams.’’