Hamilton: South Africa’s pace attack humiliated New Zealand’s middle order in an extraordinary display on Thursday that put the Proteas firmly in control on the first day of the second Test.
Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn ran rampant as New Zealand lost eight wickets in the final session — including five in 20-ball spell when the shell-shocked home side did not score a single run — to be all out for 185.
Philander finished with figures of four for 70 and Steyn took three for 49, as skipper Graeme Smith’s decision to send New Zealand in to bat on a green-tinged wicket in Hamilton paid off spectacularly.
It was just reward for the South African bowlers, who had toiled for little reward after early success in dislodging New Zealand’s openers Rob Nicol (2) and Martin Guptill (22) before lunch.
While New Zealand claimed consolation wickets as South Africa went to stumps at 27 for two, the Proteas succeeded in asserting their dominance after the first Test in Dunedin ended in a rain-affected draw.
More rain and a a stubborn 89-run partnership between Brendon McCullum and New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor frustrated the Proteas for much of the day in Hamilton and Smith may have been having second thoughts about bowling first.
McCullum worked patiently to notch his 22nd Test half century after three hours at the crease, allowing his aggressive instincts to surface as he smashed a six off Morne Morkel to bring up the milestone. (AFP)
