Day One of the second Test between South Africa and New Zealand went in the hosts’ favour, perhaps both because of their brilliance and the visitors’ bad luck on a few occasions. On winning the toss Kane Williamson decided to bowl first, but as the day came to an end, his bowlers looked frustrated and tired. With 283 runs on the board, still seven wickets in hand and the top-four batsmen scoring fifties, Faf du Plessis’ side can have a good night’s sleep and come out to play more positive cricket on Day Two. Here are the highlights of what was an entertaining day of cricket at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: South Africa vs New Zealand, 2nd Test at Centurion
Quinton de Kock, Stephen Cook lay foundation: With Dean Elgar missing out due to an ankle sprain, De Kock had a chance to open the innings for his team. Faf du Plessis gave him that chance. He put on a 133-run partnership with Stephen Cook as the blend of youth and experience, two very different players complimented each other very well. While De Kock registered his third Test fifty, he played some wonderful shots in his innings. He was lucky on a few occasions but along with Cook, made sure the first session of play, went in South Africa’s favour. Cook too was solid and played some splendid drives.
New Zealand bounce back: Neil Wagner’s short ball plan against De Kock finally gave New Zealand the first breakthrough. De Kock probably, losing out on patience, pulled one straight to Trent Boult, who took a comfortable catch near the boundary ropes. De Kock was back to the pavilion for a well made 82. Cook then, was tempted to play a drive that found his outside edge and Kane Williamson made no mistake at gully. He scored a patient 56. Two quick wickets then changed the scheme of things, as the bowlers started steaming in to get one or two more.
Amla-Duminy pile on runs: Hashim Amla continued from where he left off in Durban. He played some exquisite shots through the cover region. Anything full or over-pitched to him, was dispatched to the boundary. Amla was pretty comfortable out in the middle and his brilliance was evident in the upper cut that he played, that fetched him maximum. He along with Duminy, put on a 95-run stand before edging an almost unplayable delivery from Neil Wagner to wicketkeeper BJ Watling.
Duminy wins a battle: Duminy who hadn’t scored a Test half-century in two years finally answered his critics with a well-made one. He started off cautiously, but played some really fine shots as the innings progressed. Not only did he stop after reaching his 7th Test fifty, he hung on, showed resistance and didn’t give away his wicket. Mind you, Wagner did direct a few short balls and bouncers at him, but he didn’t get carried away or get frustrated. He in fact, looked settled, left balls wisely and played shots with grace.
(Karan Dewan, a reporter with CricketCountry, loves following and playing sports. He is a Team India fan and loves winning. Follow him on his twitter handle@karan13dewan)
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