South Africa’s Twenty20 skipper Faf du Plessis on Friday urged administrators to emulate India, who are all set to play as many as 13 Tests this season in their own backyard.
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Cook went 20 runs later, taken in the gully by New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s low catch off the bowling of Doug Bracewell.
Dale Steyn put Proteas on top after he dismissed New Zealand openers Tom Latham (0) and Martin Guptill (0) in the first over of the second innings.
In the 18th over, Nicholls was given out, caught at short leg, but he was successfully able to review the decision.
“It was a very pleasing last session for us”, said Bracewell.
There might have been a fightback from New Zealand yesterday, but a series defeat is still their most likely outcome, with something of a miracle needed against South Africa at Centurion.
New Zealand is seeking a first test series win in South Africa.
Stephen Cook (56) and Quinton de Kock (82) gave South Africa a strong start with an opening partnership of 133.
It left New Zealand in deep trouble in a match which will decide the series after the weather-hit, abandoned first Test in Durban.
De Kock, the South African wicketkeeper, was moved up to open the batting, which he does regularly in limited-overs internationals, after Dean Elgar sprained an ankle during fielding practice on Friday. Tim Southee played a few shots before Kagiso Rabada bowled him with a yorker that hit off the root of the off stump.
Neil Wagner (2-51) was the best bowler but New Zealand didn’t make the early progress it hoped for after winning the toss.
Once Steyn and Philander were rested after lunch, Rabada was unable to back up their efforts and it was off-spinner Piedt who eventually claimed the fifth wicket, two hours after the fourth victim had fallen. With 416 wickets, he was five behind South Africa record-holder Shaun Pollock.
JP Duminy, restored to the team in the absence of de Villiers, missed out on his century, though, falling for 88 caught behind off a wild hook.
Du Plessis compiled a patient unbeaten 95 from 205 balls and will resume with Vernon Philander (six not out) as South Africa look to build a big first-innings total on a lively wicket that has both sideways movement and variable bounce.
Watling was dropped by Stiaan van Zyl at third slip off Philander when he had five and two runs later seemed lucky to get the benefit of the doubt from television umpire Richard Illingworth when the South Africans appeared convinced that he had gloved Philander to De Kock.
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Temba Bavuma (40 not out), who remained undefeated at stumps on Day 3, left an imprint on the proceedings with a gutsy knock and helped the home side stretch their lead to 399.
