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South Africa vs New Zealand: Proteas batsmen seize initiative on Day 1

With the top-four batsmen scoring half-centuries, the all important winner-takes-it-all second Test, now has a Protean advantage over it. Day One was about, when their batsmen seized initiative.

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Hashim Amla's class was for all to witness in his 58-run knock on Day One ©  AFP
Hashim Amla’s class was for all to witness in his 58-run knock on Day One © AFP

Lost toss, experiment, cashing-in, capitalising, conserving. South Africa’s outing against New Zealand on Day One at SuperSport Park in Centurion went in the named sequence. The coin flip, one of the very few things that went in Kane Williamson and co’s favour in an otherwise dull day for the visitors. Opener Dean Elgar’s absence from the Test, due to an ankle sprain should have come as a blow to the South Africans instead it came as a blessing in disguise. With the top four batsmen scoring half-centuries, the all-important winner-takes-all second Test, now has a Protean advantage over it. Day One was about when their batsmen seized initiative. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: South Africa vs New Zealand, 2nd Test at Centurion

Elgar’s replacement in the side was Stiaan van Zyl. But South Africa on the team sheet, had a surprise to offer. Quinton de Kock was the man named to open the innings along with Stephen Cook. A blend of youth and experience, New Zealand’s new ball bowlers, Trent Boult and Tim Southee had a new opening duo to go past. READ: South Africa vs New Zealand, 2nd Test, Day 1: JP Duminy’s half-century and other highlights

A leading edge raced to the fence for four, giving de Kock his first boundary. Having convinced his captain to walk out as an opener, de Kock, then showed why he is one of the world’s best talented young cricketers. He played the ball on its merit early on, while seeing off the first few overs, when the ball did swing and often found that late movement off the pitch. Anything fuller on the pads, was given due treatment. Any ball, short or over-pitched was punished. He played his shots, like he always does. The runs came at a good pace too. And soon de Kock had a fifty, a well made one. He had made most of his chance to open. The experiment had worked, and de Kock was now cashing in.

At the other end, he had a partner, much different to his style of playing. More solid in his approach, a bit more defensive, with not-so-much-elegance in his footwork, Cook carried on slowly.

All this while, New Zealand didn’t bowl poorly. In fact they were right on the money most of the times, followed good lines, threatened with seam movement as well. But perhaps, they were just a tad unlucky. Wicketkeeper BJ Watling dropped what was a tough chance to dismiss de Kock, a few LBW appeals were not reviewed, some edges didn’t go to hand and that kind of luck would follow them throughout the day.

But Neil Wagner’s short ball plan did work against de Kock. Probably the left-hander’s patience ran out or Wagner’s words did the trick. De Kock pulled one and Boult made no mistake at the boundary. He walked in disappointment, but had made his mark.

Cook too, was caught at gully while driving a fuller delivery from Doug Bracewell. But just when it looked New Zealand would bounce back with a few more wickets, Hashim Amla and JP Duminy stuck in.

Amla’s class was for all to see. Batting with comfort, calmness, Amla reached his 31st Test fifty. Amla’s favourite opposition was again witnessing sheer brilliance from him. But when on 58, an unplayable Wagner delivery, found an edge off his bat. Watling did the rest. Amla’s smile to acknowledge the delivery was perhaps missed by Wagner, who celebrated with a roar.

Duminy in the meantime, was fighting his own battle. A ‘talented’, ‘capable’ Duminy had to deliver some day. A first half-century in two years might not have silenced critics questioning his Test credentials, but it has certainly kept him afloat for now. He did not get there with ease though. A few nervy edges, here and there, a few well-directed bouncers from Wagner’s bag and the last few spells from a frustrated New Zealand pace attack, Duminy withstood everything in his path. First he, along with Amla capitalised on the start given by openers, and then he held the innings together. A resistant Duminy was by the look of it, not going to give it away this time.

A solid, conservative batsman du Plessis, didn’t give his wicket away either. He knew that his side had taken a big leap into the Test. It was now about conserving. South Africa had 283 runs in the bag, with seven wickets left and a day to cherish.

The first few bricks towards a series win, have, perhaps been laid by South Africa. It’s a decent advantage they have now. Of course, they have the chance to extend that on Day Two.

(Karan Dewana 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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