New Zealand’s batting woes against South Africa continued as they slumped to 65 for four at stumps on day two of the second Test in Hamilton, squandering a fine effort with the ball.
The Black Caps, bowled out for 185 on the opening day, looked to have clawed their way back into contention when a five-wicket haul from Mark Gillespie helped restrict the Proteas’ first innings lead to 68.
But New Zealand made a disastrous start to the second innings, reduced to seven for three in the first five overs as openers Rob Nicol (1) and Martin Guptill (1) failed again and Brendon McCullum went for five. Skipper Ross Taylor was again called on to launch a rescue mission managing a 57-run partnership with Kane Williamson before falling lbw to Dale Steyn for 17 in the second last over of the day.
Steyn took two for 10 and Vernon Philander two for 21 as New Zealand ended the day still three runs short of South Africa’s first innings total of 253, facing a mammoth task to get back into the match.
Kane Williamson was unbeaten on 41 for the Black Caps, alongside Daniel Vettori, who was yet to score. South Africa started the day at 27 for two and endured a torrid spell from Gillespie, struggling at 133 for six in the first hour before AB de Villiers and the lower order steadied the innings. De Villiers’ gritty 83 and a valuable unbeaten 35-run cameo from Morne Morkel helped South Africa overhaul New Zealand’s total before the tourists were bowled out for 253 at tea. Gillespie, recalled into a revamped New Zealand attack after more than three years in the Test wilderness, finished the innings with five for 59. South Africa added 35 to their overnight total before he dismissed Hashim Amla for 16, the batsman attempting to guide the ball through backward point but sending a low catch to Williamson.
