Published: Mar 26, 2017, 05:11 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 26, 2017, 05:24 PM (IST)
Although on Day Two Quinton de Kock turned around the fortunes for South Africa, who were tottering on 123 for 4 on Day One, a solid foundation built by a rejuvenated Tom Latham and consistent Jeet Raval has put New Zealand slightly ahead. Latham, who had not gone past the score of 10 in this series, was seen scoring unbeaten 42 that might have been a huge leap for the opening batsman. By stumps, Latham along with Raval added the highest opening wicket partnership of the series, unbeaten 67. Considering South Africa held charge of the day for the first two sessions, New Zealand ensured they do not lose the opportunity in the final one. Full Cricket Scorecard: New Zealand vs South Africa, 3rd Test at Hamilton
New Zealand perspective: South Africa, who were 190 for 6 in the first session, saw 124 runs added with one man bringing 90 from it. New Zealand did show their calibre on-field with few stunning catches by one man but the bowlers who ruled the day on Saturday, were seen conceding way too many runs. Kane Williamson is also to be blamed for under using Mitchell Santner who was given just 9 overs, from which he bowled 3 maidens and bagged a crucial wicket of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis in his first over. Jeetan Patel, on the other hand, who has secured 5 wickets so far in the series, went wicketless in conditions tailor made for him.
But they have successfully covered up for the mistakes done and put up a stunning show with some unexpected batting from their opening pair. A lot will be dependent on the opening batsmen, especially in the absence of experienced Ross Taylor and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. There is more to come from the batting line-up and debutant from the second Test Neil Broom and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme will be expected to go all guns blazing apart from their skipper Williamson to build a strong lead. NZ vs SA, 3rd Test, Day 2: The Latham show, de Kock’s defiance and other highlights
South Africa perspective: The batsmen had played their part with de Kock’s bat making some noise despite suffering from a ligament tear in his index finger. Now, it all comes down to bowlers, who were seen struggling to break a rather settled opening pair on the crease. There were some hoo and hah with reviews and trapping Latham in particular, but none of that worked in their favour. Rabada, after an excellent form with the bat, proved to be expensive in his 5 overs, conceding 25 runs at an economy rate of 5. Meanwhile, Keshav Maharaj received some turn in the spin-friendly conditions, but that did not bear any result.
The South African think-tank will need to come up with ways to stop the flow of runs and look for quick wickets. Also this being a happy hunting ground for Philander, where he claimed his career best figures of 6 for 44 and match figures of 10 for 114 in 2012, a lot will be expected from the all-rounder on Day Three.
As for the weather conditions, both teams will also have to fight off the damage already done by rain on Day One.
Brief scores:
South Africa 314 (Hashim Amla 50, Faf du Plessis 53, Quinton de Kock 90, Kagiso Rabada 34; Matt Henry 4 for 93, Neil Wagner 3 for 104) lead New Zealand 67 for no loss (Tom Latham 42*, Jeet Raval 24*; Vernon Philander 0 for 14) by 247 runs
