Cuckfield’s new overseas signing Raval hits 52 against South Africa

Kane Williamson scored a fighting 78-run unbeaten knock as New Zealand went on to post 177 for three at stumps on day two in response to South Africa’s first innings total of 308 runs in the first Test in Dunedin. At stumps, centurion Elgar (128) batting along with Temba Bavuma (38) having constructed an broken 81- run stand for the 5th wicket.

Bavuma needed an innings of substance to quell the criticism that had gathered around like malevolent clouds‚ and he responded with a sturdy 64‚ his first half-century in eight test innings. Elgar, who had gone through periods of looking unsettled on day one, was caught in two minds and edged Wagner through to the slips. “I’m not very talented and free-scoring like others guys are, so you’ve got to use your advantages and that’s obviously my ability to guts it out and grind it”, he said.

New Zealand, surprisingly included two spinners in their squad with opening bowler Tim Southee dropped. With New Zealand fighting hard it’s evenly poised, but with Taylor in serious doubt South Africa essentially have a crucial extra wicket.

“The way he limped off, it didn’t look too good”, said Boult.

Maharaj was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Philander claimed one.

On Day 2, Elgar had also shared a 126-run partnership, which is the highest stand so far in the match, with Faf du Plessis (52) for the fourth wicket.

De Villiers’s flashing bat produced 262 runs in the five one-day matches at an average of 87.33, while his calm assuredness guided the side through several tense moments in New Zealand.

South Africa was then 22-3 and in the sort of trouble du Plessis had not foreseen when he won the toss and elected to bat. Elgar has converted seven of his 12 fifty-plus scores to hundreds in Tests.

Trailing by 308 runs, New Zealand opener Tom Latham fell early as he was caught behind off the bowling of Vernon Philander for 10 runs.

After bringing up his first half-century in eight innings since the Hobart Test against Australia previous year, Bavuma – the last recognised batsman who started the day unbeaten alongside centurion Elgar – fell victim to Trent Boult (4-64).