South Africa v New Zealand - Official first test match thread

[Vrock]

South Africa are batting first and honours pretty even so far with South Africa on 121-3. Ashwell Prince has just come to the crease and Boeta Dipeenaar has reached his half century.

[Django]

South Africa 130/4 and in trouble. NZ bowlers have exposed the fragile top-order and at this stage it appears that the Proteas will struggle to get past 200. NZ is on top.

[Vrock]

South Africa are definitely in trouble now, AB DeVilliers is gone now and this leaves South Africa with only Boucher and the tail left to bat.

Currently 200-6.

[dAn_Martyn]

Pollock and Boje can bat though.

[Vrock]

South Africa are now on the brink of being bowled out this evening with Boje who is looking pretty good and Dale Steyn at the crease on 259-8.

The New Zealand bowlers are getting a decent amount of swing from the new second new ball so I think South Africa will have something to work with when the time comes to bat.

Chris Martin suffered a nasty thumb dislocation, he had it popped back in and when he bowls is certainly showing some discomfort with some strainful grunts.

[sittingduck]

Match is evenly poised at stumps on day one.

Mills done well to take 4 wickets, if Bond was fit it would probably have been Mills carrying the drinks so he's putting the pressure on Franklin and Martin to retain their spots for the 2nd match.

When NZ get their chance to bat I will be watching the top order very closely, luckily we bat down to number 9 or 10 so if there is an early collapse it may not be terminal.

[Karthik]

South Africa have to score at least 300.It is quite possible.

[sittingduck]

South Africa 276
New Zealand 74/5 (17.0 ov)

at lunch

I guess i under estimated the extent of the top order collapse, not looking good, Oram and McCullum at the crease. Welcome back to the black caps Jacob - no pressure mate.

[Vrock]

After six wickets fell in 22 overs Oram and Vettori are steadying the ship on 124-6 now.

The pitch is giving a lot to the seam bowlers, it doesn't appear to be getting easier to bat on and I think this match will finish somewhere lunch and tea on day four.

Again, Makhaya Ntini showing why he deserves to be ranked so highly in Test match bowling taking three of the NZ wickets so far.

[John]

New Zealand 150-6 fighting back. I would think any sort of lead would be welcome for SA.