Martin Leaves NZ On Top

Another masterful display of bowling from Chris Martin has ensured that New Zealand enter the final days play against South Africa in Auckland in a commanding position to take a 1-0 series lead.

Following the resumption of play on Day 4 the South Africans completed the mere formalities and dismissed Daryl Tuffey and Chris Martin to leave the Black Caps total at an imposing 595.

South Africa began their innings in unforgiving circumstances as captain Graeme Smith was bowled by the premier ball of the innings. The wicket gave Martin his 7th of the match in an already highly impressive return to Test cricket.

The Proteas found solace in the duo or Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Rudolph, however, adding 103 for the second wicket before Gibbs was trapped LBW by Jacob Oram for 61.

Jacques Kallis again proved in solid touch, firmly setting himself early on in pursuit of his 6th Test hundred in as many matches. His dismissal to an inspired piece of captaincy and bowling from Craig McMillan on 71 leaves Bradman's enviable record in tact - for the moment.

A flurry of 3 middle order wickets for Martin - including Gary Kirsten for 1 in his 100th Test - left the South Africans flat as Rudolph raised his third Test match hundred and an ever-increasing lone hand.

The dismissal of Mark Boucher shortly before stumps allowed for Martin's 10th wicket of the match in his return to Test cricket following an absence of nearly 2 years.

His dismissal of Neil McKenzie shortly before highlighted a lack of batting for the talented middle-order player as he fell for an unfulfilling duck.

Despite New Zealand's heavy run-scoring ways, the Test shapes as the berth of a quality seam bowler on the international scene. Before this match, Martin had taken 34 wickets in an uninspiring 11 Test matches.

His 10-wicket haul offers assistance to Daryl Tuffey - who is increasingly fighting injury troubles - and Shane Bond upon his return. Martin looms as an ideal 3rd seamer for the coming tour of England in April.

Jacob Oram bowled well in patches, while again Daniel Vettori failed to penetrate the South African batting. Albeit a quality bowler, Vettori's lack of bowling over a number of years continues to hamper his progress despite his young age.

Chris Cairns, again, seemed underused.

Progress Scores: Stumps Day 4

South Africa 296 (G Smith 88, H Gibbs 80, J Kallis 40; C Martin 6/76)

New Zealand 595 (S Styris 170, C Cairns 158, J Oram 90, C McMillan 82, M Richardson 45; S Pollock 4/113)

South Africa 6/277 (J Rudolph 123*; C Martin 4/71)

Posted by Andre