Destructive Duo Humble Proteas

Neither man was meant to be a force on the international cricket scene. No-frills and unfashionable - the common prototype for a New Zealand cricketer - Scott Styris bashed away a promising South African start with the ball following a seam bowling master class from Chris Martin to snatch any South African advantage.

South Africa comfortably took charge on Day 1 as Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs did what seems to come naturally to the pair at the top of the order - dominate from the outset in adding 177.

As often happens from large opening stands the middle order failed to capitalize on that start. Jacques Rudolph became the first victim of Martin's morning on as he found Michael Papps.

Gary Kirsten edged a rare failure as Jacques Kallis lost out on his first of 2 potential chances to score a 6th Test hundred in as many matches when he became Martin's third wicket of the innings.

Following the hurried departure of Mark Boucher, Neil McKenzie and Shaun Pollock set about a small rearguard action in a 27 run stand before Daryl Tuffey made a mockery of former captain Pollock's stumps after making 10.

Upon claiming the wicket of McKenzie, Martin completed his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket in his return match following a lengthy absence. In claiming Makhaya Ntini two balls later he completed his maiden 6-wicket haul - only to be denied a 7th by Stephen Fleming's ever-decreasing slips catching.

As Fleming dropped Martin's potential 7th wicket the bowler missed out on a chance for the best figures by a New Zealander against South Africa as Jacob Oram trapped a hapless David Terbrugge in front to complete the loss of 8/61.

New Zealand began little better in slumping to 2/12 as Michael Papps became the wicket that propelled Shaun Pollock ahead of Allan Donald on the wicket takers list for South Africa - a deserved number 1.

Yet a typically gritty Mark Richardson found solace Scott Styris, who strode to the crease with a straight back and played with an equally straight bat to all bowlers, so confidently middling balls early in his innings that allowed him to open his shoulders towards the end of the day.

It was to be his afternoon.

The only success for the Proteas following the early breakthroughs was the late addition of Richardson to the wicket column as he fell to Jacques Kallis for 45.

Craig McMillan came to the crease and began with unusual fluency - well renowned as a shaky starter; McMillan ended the day unbeaten on 31 from just 43 deliveries.

Yet Styris held the crowd in bringing up his third Test century - and first at the crucial number 4 position - to end the day on 118 and leave New Zealand in complete control.

Progress Score: Stumps Day 2

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

New Zealand 3/201 (S Styris 118*, M Richardson 45)

Posted by Andre