Proteas choose not to enforce follow on

Kagiso Rabada, bowls against New Zealand's batsman Henry Nicholls, on the third day of their second cricket test match at Centurion Park. Photo: Themba Hadebe

Kagiso Rabada, bowls against New Zealand's batsman Henry Nicholls, on the third day of their second cricket test match at Centurion Park. Photo: Themba Hadebe

Published Aug 29, 2016

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Johannesburg - South Africa claimed a lead of 267 runs on the first innings against New Zealand after bowling the tourists out for 214, but stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis chose not to enforce the follow-on.

South Africa will instead look to build an insurmountable lead and probably ask New Zealand to bat again later on Monday afternoon as they seek to push for victory in the second and deciding Sunfoil Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

The Proteas seam bowlers dominated the third day, against a New Zealand batting side who looked hopelessly outgunned on a pitch on which there is still plenty of assistance for the bowlers, with cracks appearing on the surface.

An early tea break was taken at the end New Zealand innings at the fall of Kane Williamson’s wicket after he’d played a lone hand against a relentless onslaught from Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.

Perhaps signifying Williamson’s class, he was the only batsmen who looked like he had time to play against the South Africans, but unfortunately for the Black Caps he found little assistance from the rest of his teammates. Seven batsmen failed to make double figures and Williamson was the only one to go past 50 in what was a dismal display from the Kiwis.

Doug Bracewell barely lasted a half an hour after lunch before being trapped lbw for 18 by Rabada and then Tim Southee played a scared innings before giving his wicket away to the off-spin of Dane Piedt - caught behind by Quinton de Kock for eight.

It was Neil Wagner who provided the best support for his captain, making an adventurous 31 during which he was engaged in an exciting battle with Steyn, hitting the great fast bowler for two fours and a six in one over.

Steyn eventually dismissed him, but Wagner can probably claim bragging rights from his 35-minute stay at the crease during which the South African bowlers forgot their lines and lengths.

Williamson was eventually the last man out for 77, a very fine knock in which he applied himself far better than his teammates.

Steyn and Rabada finished with three wickets each, while Philander picked up two. Although the decision to bat again seems strange, given South Africa’s poor Test record in the last 12 months - the Proteas have won just one out of the last 11 Tests - perhaps their caution is understandable.

Independent Media

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