Dean Elgar admitted his innings was “a scrap” in difficult conditions against a highly disciplined New Zealand attack, but that most importantly he’ll be able to resume on the second day - Thursday - and try and increase South Africa’s advantage in the opening Test match in Dunedin.
Elgar finished on 128 not out - one run shy of his highest Test score - helping the Proteas reach 229/4 at stumps. Temba Bavuma, will resume with him at the University Oval on Thursday on 38 not out, a welcome return to form after his struggles against Sri Lanka earlier this season.
Faf du Plessis chose to bat first on a pitch with a healthy covering of grass, but also one which his opposite number Kane Williamson admitted was much drier than was usually the case at that venue.
As a result New Zealand picked two spinners - Jeetan Patel and Mitchell Santner - omitting the experienced Tim Southee, a decision which sent shockwaves around the ground.
Elgar admitted he too was surprised not to be facing up to Southee in the morning.
“I was, actually, because he's your trump card. Him and (Trent) Boult have been phenomenal for New Zealand in Test and one-day cricket. I was a bit surprised to see him not playing," Elgar said.
Southee, who’s taken 201 wickets in 56 Tests, wasn't being missed in the first hour as New Zealand reduced South Africa to 22/3. It took all of Elgar’s grit and massive powers of concentration to drag the Proteas back into the match.
"I am not very talented and free-scoring like other guys are, so you've got to use your advantages, and that's obviously my ability to guts it out and grind it," Elgar said.
The 29 year old left hand opener, playing in his 33rd Test, batted throughout the day, notching up his seventh Test century – his third this summer. He faced 262 balls and hit 22 fours.
"It was right up there with one of the tougher days in my career. Their bowlers are quality: Boult, (Neil) Wagner and Jeetan. Given another hour we felt things might settle to open up the scoring, they bowled well on a wicket which hasn't assisted them too much, but their discipline is good," Elgar said.
He shared partnerships of 126 for the fourth wicket with Du Plessis, who scored 52 and his partnership with Bavuma is currently worth 81 runs.
“South Africa are slightly ahead but I thought it was a very well disciplined performance with the ball and they haven't got away on us. The first hour tomorrow is going to be critical and we hopefully make use of that new ball," coach Mike Hesson said.
Elgar said South Africa will be targetting 350 as a realistic target when they resume Thursday.
“350 is worth 450 on that wicket because of the slowness," he said.