South Africa go into the fourth day of the second Sunfoil Test with a lead of 372 runs still well in control of this match although New Zealand will take heart from the manner of their fightback in an extended final session.
South Africa finished the third day Monday on 105/6, their decision not to enforce the follow-on after bowling New Zealand out for 214 and ensuring a lead of 267, probably the result of a side that hasn’t won many Tests recently and who want to make absolutely sure they don’t have to bat last on a pitch that is breaking up.
Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada each claimed three wickets as South Africa took advantage of a surface that is offering plenty of help to the fast bowlers thanks to some good pace and inconsistent bounce. Only New Zealand captain Kane Williamson resisted the South African quicks making 77, displaying a technical know-how that was well beyond the ability of the rest of his teammates.
New Zealand’s dismissal shortly before the scheduled tea break led to the interval being taken early and an extended final session, during which the tourists pegged back the hosts with three quick, early strikes.
While Quinton de Kock batted with the freedom that comes with a 267-run lead, Trent Boult proved too much of a hassle for the other South African batsmen. The left-arm swing bowler, who went wicketless in South Africa’s first innings dismissed Stephen Cook, with a beauty that swung back into the right hander, and Faf du Plessis in an outstanding eight-over spell.
The concern’s Boult was causing, helped his fellow new ball bowler Tim Southee who picked up the wickets of Hashim Amla and JP Duminy for one and nought respectively.
Reduced to 47/4 in 12 overs, South Africa had to play with greater caution and if there were plans for an early declaration in the last half an hour on Tuesday, they were put on the back burner as a result. De Kock backed up his first innings 82, with another 50 in the second innings and coupled with five catches means he’s had a very good Test especially considering the last minute decision to shift him to opener after Dean Elgar’s injury.
The highest fourth innings score in a Test at SuperSport Park was England’s 251/8 in 2000, which saw them win the infamous ‘leather jacket Test’ when Hansie Cronje agreed to fix the outcome in exchange for a jacket and some cash from gambler Marlon Aronstam.
Du Plessis should declare first thing on Tuesday morning, as there is still enough in the surface especially with the new ball - as New Zealand showed Monday - and were they to need it the second new ball would be available in the last half an hour of the fourth day too.
Independent Media