South Africa take control in 2nd Test

New Zealand squander fine effort with the ball.

HAMILTON:

New Zealand’s batting woes against South Africa continued as they slumped to 65 for four at stumps on day two of the second Test in Hamilton, squandering a fine effort with the ball.

The Black Caps, bowled out for 185 on day one, looked to have clawed their way back after a five-wicket haul from Mark Gillespie helped restrict the Proteas’ first-innings lead to 68.

But New Zealand made a disastrous start to the second-innings, reduced to seven for three in the first five overs as openers Rob Nicol (1) and Martin Guptill (1) failed again and Brendon McCullum went for five. Captain Ross Taylor, called on to launch a rescue again, managed a 57-run partnership with Kane Williamson before falling to Dale Steyn.

Earlier, Gillespie, recalled into a revamped New Zealand attack, finished the innings with five for 59.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2012.