Four New Zealanders failed in the match as opposed two South Africans.
Advertisement
Quinton de Kock’s 50 was the sole highlight for South Africa with the bat on a day when they were smothered by Tim Southee (2-27) and Trent Boult (2-38), though the hosts remain poised to claim a 1-0 series win after the first Test was washed out.
New Zealand responded in the last session to a pep talk, said all-rounder Doug Bracewell.
But he acknowledged that New Zealand would have a hard time batting last.
“It’s a tough wicket to bat on, going up and down a bit”, he said. But Du Plessis, filling in for injured regular skipper AB de Villiers, was the one to capitalize and get to three figures, with his 112 not out allowing the home team the luxury of declaring in their first innings late on the second day.
He opened his account with the first ball of the innings, Tom Latham (0) playing on, and Martin Guptill also went for a golden duck, edging the final ball of the over to Hashim Amla at slip.
Although he said he was not keen to open in Tests on a long-term basis, De Kock, who has a reputation for impetuousness, said he had enjoyed the challenge of mustering the discipline needed to prosper against good bowling on a pitch which offered movement to the fast bowlers. “And KG (Rabada) is bowling at 150 km/h and getting wickets”.
On Sunday, patience paid off for South African captain Faf du Plessis as he was rewarded with three quick wickets after grinding out a century.
Only New Zealand captain Kane Williamson resisted with his 77.
Nicholls nevertheless has certainly put down a marker for the future with his innings of 76 (140 balls, 12 fours).
New Zealand’s resistance crumbled after the breakthrough, although South Africa lost control briefly when Rabada and Steyn peppered number 10 batsman Neil Wagner with bouncers, probably in retaliation for Wagner’s short-pitched assault during South Africa’s first innings of 481 for eight declared. Taylor was struck twice, on the shoulder and arm, by lifting deliveries from Steyn and scored only one before pushing a ball from Kagiso Rabada to midwicket. Nicholls ran out of partners, becoming the last man to be dismissed and his fighting knock was brought to an end by Steyn, who picked up a five-for as the Proteas took the game. After five overs, South Africa were 32 for 3.
Advertisement
“A lot the information we got, although there wasn’t much at this time of year, was that the wicket was soft, the wicket was green, both sides were looking to bowl”, Williamson said.
