March 15 (Reuters) – South Africa took full advantage
of a green-tinged wicket and overcast conditions to reduce New
Zealand to 62 for two at lunch on the first day of the second
test at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Thursday.
Proteas captain Graeme Smith, however, will be disappointed
they had not made further inroads into the New Zealand batting
line-up after he had won the toss and asked the hosts to bat.
Brendon McCullum (26), who received treatment after he was
hit on his right hand by Morne Morkel, and Taylor (11) were
together at the lunch break after South Africa had got rid of
the opening pair of Rob Nicol (two) and Martin Guptill (22).
Nicol tried to negate the movement of Vernon Philander by
advancing down the pitch towards him but only succeeded in
getting a faint edge and was caught by wicketkeeper Mark
Boucher.
McCullum and Guptill then appeared to settle the innings
with some sound stroke play before Guptill was caught in two
minds to play at a Dale Steyn delivery that slightly shaped
away, only to deflect it back onto his stumps and leave New
Zealand at 44 for two.
Pace bowlers Mark Gillespie, who is making his return to the
test team for the first time in more than three years, and Brent
Arnel are the two changes for New Zealand from the Dunedin
match.
Tim Southee was not named in the 14-man squad after
struggling in Dunedin while Trent Boult did not make the final
11.
South Africa are unchanged.
The final test of the three match series begins in
Wellington on March 23.
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