Du Plessis, Elgar put South Africa in command
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, Jan 12, 2013 (AFP) - Faf du Plessis hit
his second Test century as South Africa built a commanding first innings
total on the second day of the second and final Test against New Zealand
at St George's Park on Saturday.
Du Plessis made 137 as South Africa reached 505 for seven at tea,
declaring shortly after the resumption of play on 525-8.
After South Africa were made to struggle for runs, adding only 65
runs in 29 overs before lunch, Du Plessis and Dean Elgar (91 not out)
lifted the tempo during the afternoon. The pair shared a sixth wicket
stand of 131, a record for South Africa against New Zealand as South
Africa added 105 runs between lunch and tea.
In overcast conditions, New Zealand produced their best spell of
bowling and fielding so far in the series after rain delayed the start
of play by 15 minutes. Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell both bowled a
tight line and were well backed up by the fielders as only 11 runs were
scored in the first 11 overs for the loss of Hashim Amla's wicket.
Amla added only four runs off 24 balls before he was caught down the
legside by wicketkeeper BJ Watling off the left-armed Boult for 110.
Du Plessis, who made a match-saving century on debut against
Australia in Adelaide earlier in the season, proceeded cautiously as he
and Elgar consolidated before scoring freely after lunch.
On 98, Du Plessis almost played on against part-time seam bowler
Colin Munro. On 99 he was struck on the right hand by a ball from the
same bowler which reared off a good length. He played out two successive
maidens from Munro to be stranded one short of his hundred at lunch.
Du Plessis reached his century when he hit the first ball he received
after lunch, from off-spinner Jeetan Patel, for six.
The left-handed Elgar, struggling to establish himself in a strong
South African batting line-up, played some fine attacking shots,
particularly against off-spinner Jeetan Patel.
SOUTH AFRICA – 1ST INNINGS
A. Petersen c Patel b Bracewell 21
G. Smith c Watling b Wagner 54
H. Amla c Watling b Boult 110
J. Kallis c Watling b Bracewell 08
A. de Villiers c Williamson b Patel 51
F. du Plessis c McCullum b Munro 137
D. Elgar not out 103
R. Peterson c Patel b Munro 08
D. Steyn c Patel b Bracewell 05
R. Kleinveldt not out 07
Extras (b6, lb8, nb3, w4) 21
Total (8 wkts dec, 153.5 overs) 525
Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Petersen), 2-121 (Smith)
3-137 (Kallis), 4-223 (De Villiers)
5-336 (Amla), 6-467 (Du Plessis)
7-481 (Peterson), 8-508 (Steyn)
Bowling: Boult 32-5-108-1 (2w)
Bracewell 34-6-94-3 (1w)
Wagner 33-4-135-1 (3nb, 1w)
Patel 36.5-2-134-1
Munro 18-4-40-2
Did not bat: M Morkel. |
