Internet Desk: South Africa’s top four batsmen made half-centuries as New Zealand’s decision to field first after winning the toss failed to work in their favour on the first day of the second and final Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Saturday.
South Africa ended the day, on which 88 overs were bowled, at 283 for 3, with New Zealand set further back when Doug Bracewell limped off late in the day with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Stephen Cook (56) and Quinton de Kock (82) gave South Africa an excellent start with an opening-wicket partnership of 133, and Hashim Amla and JP Duminy followed up with innings of 58 and 67 not out respectively to give South Africa the advantage.
The best phase of batting came in the first session when Cook and de Kock took South Africa past the 100-run mark. De Kock was moved up to open the batting, which he does regularly in limited-overs cricket, after Dean Elgar, the usual opener, sprained an ankle during fielding practice on Friday. Stiaan van Zyl replaced Elgar in the playing XI.
De Kock made 82 off 114 balls, hitting 15 boundaries, before hooking Neil Wagner to Trent Boult on the fine-leg boundary, while Cook made a patient half-century before falling to a low catch by Kane Williamson at gully off Bracewell.
Amla survived a shaky start before looking settled, and eventually fell to Wagner, who bowled one, which swung in and then straightened, to have Amla caught behind. Wagner was the most impressive of the New Zealand bowlers, showing enterprise as he bowled 22 overs, taking 2 for 51. Bracewell limped off two balls into the penultimate over of the day after clutching his hamstring.