Cricket

‘Hard graft’ from all-rounders leads Proteas fightback

All-rounders Ruan de Swardt and Shaun von Berg used “hard graft” to steer a South African rearguard on Tuesday as they reached 220/6 after New Zealand had dominated the beginning of the second Test.

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De Swardt reached his maiden half-century and was 55 not out at stumps on day one.

The 37-year-old Von Berg was 34 on his Test debut, with the pair having placed on an unbroken 70 off 27 overs at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

South Africa received the toss however had been 64/3 at lunch and tottering at 150/6 early within the closing session after David Bedingham was dismissed in freakish vogue.

After dropping in Mount Maunganui by 281 runs, an understrength South Africa should win to keep away from changing into the primary staff from their nation to lose a Test collection to New Zealand.

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De Swardt, who had been one in all six Proteas debutants within the first Test, confirmed the specialist batsmen the way to survive in a gritty 135-ball knock.

He obtained assist from veteran leg-spinner Von Berg, who was lastly given a global alternative after enjoying 135 first-class matches.

“It was quite hard graft out there,” De Swardt stated.

“I believed the New Zealanders bowled fairly nicely however for me it was nearly getting caught into them, having that psychological toughness and conserving going.

“There’s still quite a bit in the wicket so if we can bat well tomorrow, get past 300, 350, we’re definitely in with a chance.”

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The pair halted a mini-collapse both facet of the tea break impressed by Rachin Ravindra, who took 3-33.

Ravindra, who scored 240 within the first Test, underlined his all-round expertise by eradicating Zubayr Hamza for a painstaking 20 off 99 balls and Keegan Petersen for 2.

Proteas strengthened their spin assault

His left-arm spin then accounted for the unlucky Bedingham, on 39, whose leg-side flick struck the highest of his shoe and flew to close-in fielder Will Young.

South Africa made a dreadful begin when makeshift opener Clyde Fortuin was dismissed for nought first ball within the second over, caught brilliantly within the gully by Glenn Phillips off Matt Henry.

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Pace bowler Will O’Rourke took a wicket on debut when he had captain Neil Brand trapped leg earlier than for 25 halfway via the primary session.

Raynard van Tonder was then out for 32 simply earlier than lunch, caught at gully after failing to get on prime of Neil Wagner’s brief supply.

“It was probably a little slower, the wicket, than what we were expecting,” stated O’Rourke.

“We strangled them really well. I think we’re happy with the day.”

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South Africa strengthened their spin assault by choosing Von Berg and recalling off-spinner Dane Piedt for his first Test in 4 years.

They changed opener Edward Moore and seamer Duanne Olivier.

For New Zealand, the 22-year-old O’Rourke changed Kyle Jamieson, who had again ache following the primary Test.

Veteran seamer Wagner was recalled instead of spinner Mitchell Santner, whereas Young changed batsman Daryl Mitchell, who was dominated out with a foot harm.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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