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South Africa on top after Day 1

Wednesday, March 10 2004

South Africa took first day honours today in going through to 279/4 at the close of play in the first test at Hamilton.

Graeme Smith won yet another toss on this tour and went in with a predictable lineup while New Zealand decided to include Paul Wiseman at the expense of Chris Martin. Michael Papps and Brendon McCullum came into the team making their test debuts.

South Africa started slowly due to some good line and length bowling from Tuffey, Oram and Cairns but with no movement and swing South Africa got through the first hour with ease.

Vettori was brought on early on a pitch that is expected to take more and more turn as the match goes on and he immediately caused problems.

Graeme Smith didn't take long to be frustrated by Vettori's bowling and was dismissed for 25. Herschelle Gibbs departed 28 runs later for 40 in smashing a shot straight to short cover where Styris took the catch and South Africa went to lunch at 101/2.

Jacques Kallis and Jacques Rudolph put on 106 runs in the middle session to see South Africa through to 207/2 at tea.

New Zealand finally managed a break through in the final session with McCullum taking a breath taking catch off Styris' bowling to dismiss Rudolph for 72.

Kallis and the new batsman Gary Kirsten struggled to keep the score ticking over and when Oram set the trap for Kallis at final leg he fell straight into it and hooked one straight down Daryl Tuffey's throat and he was on his way for a well made 92.

Paul Adams was brought in as night watchman and with Gary Kirsten they took South Africa through to 279/4 at the close.

With so much batting power remaining in the South African batting lineup New Zealand will be hoping for some early wickets tomorrow to get themselves back into the game.

Score Summary

South Africa 279/4 (J Kallis 92, J Rudolph 72, H Gibbs 40, G Kirsten 31*, D Vettori 2/83, S Styris 1/24, J Oram 1/50)

Posted by James