South Africa vs New Zealand: International cricket, first Test – Day 5 live scores

The sun is expected to be out again in Durban, but it should be too late to salvage a result in the first Test between South Africa and New Zealand with the first innings still ongoing. Join The Roar for live scores of Day 5 from 6pm (AEST).

Days two, three and four have been almost entirely lost due to poor ground condition after a thunderstorm, leaving the match with plenty of action remaining, but very limited time.

South Africa seemed to be well off the pace during Day 1, ending eight wickets down for only 234 runs, however, they would start the second day strongly and then put the expression, never judge a pitch until both teams have batted on it, right into use.

New Zealand, chasing 263 were quickly reduced to 2 for 15 with openers Tom Latham and Martin Guptill both succumbing to one of the best fast bowlers in the world, Dale Steyn. While the key partnership is now between Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, the match is heading for a foregone conclusion.

What this match does is raise questions about the validity of playing a Test match series during the South African winter. Being only two matches, surely they could have fit it in during summer somewhere.

Unfortunately, it’s going to lead to this first match being drawn, and while there is another Test to come, you can’t be liking the chances of a result over there.

Along with that, the weather conditions have actually been playable since the original thunderstorm, but because the ground took on so much water, the outfield is still not fit for play.

Day 5 prediction
With a match to come, it’s hard to see New Zealand being overly aggressive here. The only way a result will be reached is if New Zealand collapse, South Africa declare their innings closed within an hour, or maybe even earlier, then knock New Zealand over again.

In short, it’s going to be a draw.

Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of the final day’s play in Durban from 6pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.

Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde