Update: Weather prevented any play occuring on Day 3 and has prevented the begin of play on Day 4. Play may still begin later today.
There might have been less than a session’s play on Day 2, but it was enough to completely flip the script and put South Africa right on top of the first Test against New Zealand. Join The Roar for live scores from 6pm (AEST).
South Africa seemed well below par coming out of Day 1, having batted first, but as the saying goes, a pitch should never be judged until both teams have batted on it.
After finishing Day 1 on 8-236, the Proteas tail frustrated New Zealand’s bowlers, with Kagiso Rabada ending up on 32 not out, the innings total at 263.
The Kiwi bowlers shared the wickets around, but the pitch was shown to be one where patience was required, with the run rate for the innings barely hitting three runs per over, and rewarding consistency from bowlers.
The Blacks Caps only got 12 overs in their innings, but lost early wickets to end the day 2-15.
There is more rain expected, so again we may not get a full day’s play. South Africa will not only be looking to push the pace of the match in order to ensure a result, but also exploit what the pitch has got from the weather.
Day 4 prediction
The way South Africa started things yesterday, they look like they could take wickets pretty easily. However, that will be all down to how the partnership of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor plays.
If they can see off the early spells of Dale Steyn, Vermon Philander and Rabada, getting the shine off the ball, then they should build a total.
Any early wickets, and the rain holding off so they can build concentration and an innings, will be crucial though. Exposing the rest of this order too early would be disastrous.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores from 6pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
New Test, same result, same problems for Australia as they finish their tour of New Zealand with a fifth win from five matches. Christchurch,…
At the beginning of this second Test between New Zealand and Australia, the Australians formed a guard of honour for Marais Erasmus standing in…
With his place as Australian wicketkeeper suddenly in jeopardy after a poor run of scores with the bat, Alex Carey's brilliant unbeaten 98 to…
It was 50 years ago that New Zealand recorded their first Test Cricket win over Australia.
A five-wicket haul from Josh Hazlewood helped Australia run through New Zealand on the first day in Christchurch, but familiar batting woes have prevented…
New Zealand have tapped uncapped quick Ben Sears for the second Test against Australia, ending hopes of a farewell outing for retired Black Caps…
