South African bowlers make merry as New Zealand falter to 73 for 4 at lunch on Day 1, 2nd Test

South Africa after winning toss, were on the money in the first session on Day One as their bowlers kept it troublesome for the New Zealand batsmen to get going at Wellington. Morne Morkel and Kasigo Rabada, in particular took things in their own hands under seam friendly conditions at the Basin Reserve, which is hosting the second match of the three-Test series between New Zealand and South Africa. It was only Jeet Raval (36), who stood out for New Zealand before he got out in the final over before lunch. The Kiwis were 73 for 4 at lunch with Henry Nicholls not out on 24 in the middle. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD, New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd Test at Basin Reserve, Wellington

Tom Latham did well to survive the early charge, but finally had to give into some probing bowling by Morne Morkel. Morkel could have had Latham leg-before but was not to be. Latham gave his wicket on 6 after edging one to the third slip off Morkel. Raval, on the other hand, continued his battled in the middle, had Kane Williamson beside him. Williamson did not add much to the score as he departed for 2 off Kagiso Rabada.

Williamson, opted for the DRS but sadly for him there was no ball tracking available for the umpire at that moment. Debutant Neil Broom came out in the middle in only the 9th over of the morning, and departed in the 11th. His wicket was a combination of an excellent ball by Rabada and a marvellous catch by Quinton de Kock; Broom went for naught. Raval was soon joined by his fourth partner of the morning, Nicholls. Raval continued his resistance making a sturdy 36 as pair provided some much needed calmness to a faltering innings.

Nicholls, on the other end of the wicket played with defiance making 24 off 39. The pair also notched up their 50-run stand in the last over before lunch. Keshav Maharaj snatched Raval, who was trying to play away from his body handed Hashim Amla a simple catch at slip.

New Zealand go into lunch at 73 for 4 with the session completely belonging to South Africa.

Williamson, earlier in the session lost yet another toss, which saw New Zealand make three changes in the playing XI. Neil Brooma and Southee came in for the injured Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, while de Grandhomme replaces Mitchell Santner from Dunedin. South Africa on the hand remained unchanged from the first Test at Dunedin.

Brief score:

New Zealand 73 for 4 ( Jeet Raval 36, Henry Nicholls 24* ; Kagiso Rabada 2 for 15 ) vs South Africa