SA v NZ 1st Test, Day-1: 5 Talking Points

Day One of the first Test between South Africa and New Zealand saw New Zealand strike a pose in the first match by taking the initiative and picking up eight wickets and restricting the home side to less than 250 runs. Among the stars on show with the New Zealand bowling performances, it was Hashim Amla who stood out of the pack and smashed a half-century on a diabolical wicket at Kingsmead in Durban. Temba Bavuma too made an impact with the bat on what was a gloomy day for the Proteas.

1. Rain plays a part

Rain played a part in the initial part of proceedings when the weather at Kingsmead was gloomy. The lights had to be used to see the ball properly and the sun did not come out for the rest of the day. Moreover, it also played a massive part in the sighting of the ball, something that the Proteas batsmen found incredibly difficult to pull off.

2. New Zealand bowlers strike early

The New Zealand bowlers who have evolved with time are Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Although they do not boast of terrifying pace, they have one major aspect – swing. Their swing is certainly something that undid the platform the South Africa batsmen tried to build and completely undid their confidence. Evidence of this can be found in the scorecard, something that saw almost all South Africa batsmen get off to starts only to fail soon after.

3. Hashim Amla puts up a clinical performance

Among the torrid batting performances put up by the South African batsmen, Hashim Amla was the lone shining light, something that saw him become the only batsman on the first day cross a score of 50 runs. His 53 saw him come as close as ever to reaching the 1000 runs against New Zealand as well as complete his 30th half-century in Test match cricket. He was however dismissed to the irresistible Trent Boult.

Also read – SA v NZ 1st Test, Day 1 Review: New Zealand dominate proceedings

4. Bavuma and de Kock stitch important partnership

Temba Bavuma has been in and around the South African side for some time now. Boasting of incredible talent, Bavuma showcased what exactly he is made of by smashing the New Zealand bowlers to different parts of the Kingsmead Park. However, the fact of the matter remained that he stitched an important partnership with wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock who scored a valiant 33 for his name. This, quite effectively ensured that the Proteas crossed the score of 200, a psychological mark in terms of many aspects of the day.

5. South Africa frailties shown

While the Kiwi bowlers were simply in the mood, it was clear that there were frailties in the side that was put out by Russell Domingo. Having dropped heavily off the pace in Test matches of late, it was the usual suspects in Hashim Amla and Temba Bavuma who made the name for themselves by virtue of their innings. Moreover, the fact also remains that some of the batsmen simply had no answer to the swing of Boult, Southee, and Wagner.