South Africa seize initiative in third Test
Amla shines in weather-disrupted opening day against New Zealand
WELLINGTON:
South Africa took control of a weather-disrupted opening day in the third Test against hosts New Zealand, compiling 136 for two on a wicket expected to favour the bowlers.
At the close of play at Basin Reserve, Alviro Petersen was unbeaten on 44 and JP Duminy on 23, while the New Zealand bowlers were left to rue their failure to capitalise on a green-tinged wicket and overcast conditions. Only 42 of the possible 90 overs were bowled following overnight rain that ruled out the morning session and bad light forced an early end to the day.
New Zealand captain Ross Taylor had no hesitation opting to bowl, saying he hoped ‘for some early wickets’, and had cause to celebrate with the disputed dismissal of Graeme Smith for five.
However, from there the honours rested with South Africa, who lead the three-Test series 1-0, with Hashim Amla (63) and Petersen putting on 93 for the second wicket.
Mark Gillespie lured Amla into a pull shot and the batsman ended up getting a top edge leaving the tourists at 106 for two before Petersen and Duminy ensured there were no further casualties.
Doug Bracewell finished the day with one for 30 off 11 overs while Gillespie had one for 37 off nine overs. South Africa reacted to the Wellington conditions by strengthening their pace attack with Marchant de Lange replacing spinner Imran Tahir.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2012.
South Africa took control of a weather-disrupted opening day in the third Test against hosts New Zealand, compiling 136 for two on a wicket expected to favour the bowlers.
At the close of play at Basin Reserve, Alviro Petersen was unbeaten on 44 and JP Duminy on 23, while the New Zealand bowlers were left to rue their failure to capitalise on a green-tinged wicket and overcast conditions. Only 42 of the possible 90 overs were bowled following overnight rain that ruled out the morning session and bad light forced an early end to the day.
New Zealand captain Ross Taylor had no hesitation opting to bowl, saying he hoped ‘for some early wickets’, and had cause to celebrate with the disputed dismissal of Graeme Smith for five.
However, from there the honours rested with South Africa, who lead the three-Test series 1-0, with Hashim Amla (63) and Petersen putting on 93 for the second wicket.
Mark Gillespie lured Amla into a pull shot and the batsman ended up getting a top edge leaving the tourists at 106 for two before Petersen and Duminy ensured there were no further casualties.
Doug Bracewell finished the day with one for 30 off 11 overs while Gillespie had one for 37 off nine overs. South Africa reacted to the Wellington conditions by strengthening their pace attack with Marchant de Lange replacing spinner Imran Tahir.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2012.