Injured N.Zealand batsman Taylor to soldier on

Raval put on 102 for the second wicket with Kane Williamson – the highest ever second wicket stand for New Zealand in Test against South Africa.

Williamson’s ton helped the Black Caps to 341 at University Oval in Dunedin on Friday, a first-innings lead of 33.

Although Neil Wagner hit New Zealand into the lead with an aggressive 32, Maharaj grabbed the last two New Zealand wickets to limit the damage and record his first five-wicket haul in just his fifth Test.

JP Duminy followed in the same over, cramped for room and edging through the slips, and South Africa were reeling on 3-22.

Under Faf du Plessis’ captaincy, South Africa have won three successive Test series. Having survived a leg-before decision, .

The visitors went past past 300 courtesy Philander, who they could have lost off the final delivery before Lunch when Rabada called for a cheeky single but BJ Watling fluffed the run-out opportunity.

South Africa were 14 for one when the match was halted.

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.

It left Jeet Raval and captain Kane Williamson cautiously to get the run chase back on track for New Zealand who went to tea at 59 for one.

The hosts did not enjoy an ideal start to the day, losing the overnight batsman Jeetan Patel and local boy Jimmy Neesham early, but their captain showed grit and determination on a surface getting increasingly tougher to bat on.

New Zealand had earlier taken the last six South African wickets for 79 runs in a little over two hours, with four falling in the first session, including Elgar for 140 and Temba Bavuma for 64 after they had compiled a 104-run partnership.

To South Africa’s mindful fancy, Ross Taylor retired from the match hurt, and New Zealand will hope that won’t come back to bite them.

Boult boasted with figures of 4/64 and Wagner 3/88, as New Zealand looked ahead to taking the crease in the middle.