Cricket: New Zealand seize initiative in opening Test

Martin’s spell pegs back South Africa on first day.

DUNEDIN: New Zealand seized control on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa courtesy a stunning spell in which paceman Chris Martin grabbed three wickets in four balls.

The Proteas ended at 191 for seven with Jacques Rudolph (46) the only recognised batsman left after captain Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla scored half-centuries.

South Africa trounced New Zealand in the limited-overs series and the Test looked to be heading the same way before Martin triggered a collapse that saw six wickets fall in the final session.

With almost four hours of play lost to the weather, New Zealand captain Ross Taylor looked to have made the wrong call sending South Africa into bat, as the hosts’ attack struggled in the afternoon session.

South Africa were 86 for one at tea, with Smith notching his 31st half-century in Tests and Amla looking settled on a flat, lifeless pitch.

But the gamble paid off when Martin dismissed Smith for 53 in the first over after the break. The fast-bowler struck again, dismissing Jacques Kallis before AB de Villiers became scalp number three.

Martin could not manage a hat-trick but his devastating spell lifted the Black Caps, who suddenly looked sharper in the field and more threatening with the ball.

Amla kept his cool to steady the ship, grafting out a valuable 66-run partnership with Rudolph, before being dismissed by spinner Daniel Vettori, while Mark Boucher was run-out after facing just two deliveries. Doug Bracewell capped a good day for New Zealand, dismissing Dale Steyn for his only wicket.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2012.