New Zealand took a firm grip on the first Test against South Africa after a dominant display with both bat and ball on Day 2 at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The hosts piled up 511 in their first innings, thanks to a brilliant double century from Rachin Ravindra and a gritty ton from former Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson. The visitors then crumbled to 80 for 4 at stumps, trailing by 431 runs.
Ravindra resumed his innings on 118 and continued to bat with authority and elegance. He reached his maiden Test double hundred in the second session, becoming the youngest New Zealander to achieve the feat. He was well supported by the lower order as the hosts piled misery on an inexperienced Proteas bowling line-up.
The inexperienced Proteas bowlers had a tough time in the field, as they conceded runs in quick rate on the second day. Neil Brand, the debutant captain, was the only bright spot for them, as he claimed six wickets with his part-time off-spin. He dismissed Ravindra for 240 and wrapped up the New Zealand innings by removing Henry and Tim Southee in quick succession.
South Africa’s reply got off to a disastrous start, as they lost skipper Brand on 4, while Raynard van Tonder, another debutant, was trapped lbw by Kyle Jamieson for a duck. Edward Moore, the third debutant in the top order, showed some positive intent in his 23, but couldn’t carry on and was dismissed by Henry.
Zubayar Hamza and David Bedingham tried to steady the ship with a 44-run partnership for the fourth wicket and looked to steady the innings, but their partnership was broken by spinner Mitchell Santner who cleaned up Hamza on 22.
Bedingham was the only South African batsman who looked comfortable at the crease, as he played some fluent strokes and remained unbeaten on 29.
South Africa still need 231 runs to avoid the follow-on, and they will have to bat out of their skins to save the Test. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be confident of wrapping up the innings early on Day 3 and enforcing the follow-on.
