Lunch South Africa 243 for 7 (de Kock 66*, du Plessis, 53, Henry 4-57) v New Zealand
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Faf du Plessis fell soon after making his 12th Test fifty © Getty Images
Both sides continued trading blows in the deciding Test in Hamilton, and after 77 overs of play, South Africa got to 243 for 7 on the back of half-centuries from their captain Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock, who batted without ever betraying he had an injured finger.
New Zealand’s efforts were nothing to scoff at though. Matt Henry, on comeback, made a strong case for being among the first-choice picks for his team, taking 4 for 57. His strength is bowling a full length and controlling his line well enough that he can monopolise the corridor of uncertainty.
Tom Latham – struggling for runs – did not let those troubles infect his fielding as he pulled off a spectacular catch at short leg. It began with his anticipation. Watching du Plessis premeditating a lap sweep, he began moving quickly to his right and had already covered a yard or so when the ball came within his reach. Then it was a matter of letting his reflexes take over and hope they were good enough. And by golly they were. Latham stuck out his right hand and secured a catch that may yet prove match-turning.
Du Plessis had just completed his 12th Test fifty – if that seems a terribly low figure, it’s only because he tends to convert most of them into hundreds – and appeared South Africa’s best bet to take the score towards and above 300. The incredible depth they have in the batting department though was epitomised by de Kock’s 66 off only 84 balls. In the days leading up to the Test, South Africa had been worried about the fitness of their wicketkeeper batsman. He had injured his right index finger, which upon being reinforced by some strapping and a splint was deemed good enough for him to play.
Still, could de Kock be able to make the kind of impact he is known for? The quickfire innings that have brought him rewards such as a position in the top 10 of the ICC Test rankings? The answer was an emphatic yes. He launched Jeetan Patel’s offspin for a six over midwicket. He kept carving cuts behind point when there was precious little room. The pull shots – New Zealand overdid the short ball against him and barely any of them rose over stomach-high – were outstanding. And all of that was on a pitch that was slowing down and not necessarily perfect for strokeplay.
More to follow
Alagappan Muthu is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo