Twitter Reactions: South Africa ride on top order on Day 1

The 2nd Test between South Africa and New Zealand kicked off with the visitors winning the toss and putting the Proteas to bat. They made just one change with Van Zyl coming in for Elgar. The Kiwis were unchanged from their playing XI in the last game.

The Protean openers completely dominated the first session taking a toll on the Kiwi bowlers. Without losing a single wicket, De Kock and Stephen Cook put up a brilliant century partnership. Both went on to score splendid half centuries.

While De Kock made 82 runs, Cook also scored a well built 56. Bracewell got the first breakthrough for the Kiwis in the form of De Kock. Amla was at his classic best with a gracious knock of 58 while Duminy announced his arrival to form as he stayed 67 not out. Both carried on from where the openers left as they put 98 runs for the third wicket.

Wagner got a wicket each in the second and third session. However, the day belonged to South Africa who were 288/3 at stumps on Day 1. With all their top 4 batsmen notching half-centuries, the hosts would be pleased with their batting and would be looking to score as many as possible.

On the other hand, New Zealand would be eager to get Duminy’s wicket and restrict South Africa under 400. Twitter was all entertained during the SA-NZ game inspite of ABD’s absence. Right from lauding SA batsmen to trolling the Kiwi bowlers, here are some of the Twitter reactions that took place during the course of the game:-

Faf used to be a free-scoring batsman. Then he moved to no. 3. Now he's a grinder regardless of his position. #slow #SAvsNZ

— Stephen Craig (@SteveCraig123) August 27, 2016

https://twitter.com/holdingwilley/status/769558870691753984

Beautiful ball from Southee. Duminy knew it too. #RSAvsNZ

— Michael John Oliver (@mj_oliver) August 27, 2016

I could watch @amlahash bat for hours. Looks like I probably will be doing so yet again #RSAvsNZ

— Ken McAlpine (@KenMcAlpine) August 27, 2016

Pretty impressed with this #funky captaincy from Kane – not bothering to review lbw shouts knocking out all three… #savnz

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) August 27, 2016

Test Cricket baby… nothing better than watching a test battle! ?#ProteaFire #SAvsNZ pic.twitter.com/yEMk2kV8TQ

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) August 27, 2016

I know Trent Boult is a world class bowler, but it's hard not to think of him as anything other than a Big Bang Theory cast member.

— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) August 27, 2016

https://twitter.com/denniscricket_/status/769506060335849472

Proteas lose both openers after lunch, De Kock 82, Cook 56. SA 151/2 and now rebuilding with Amla and… Duminy. #SAvsNZ

— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) August 27, 2016

Duminy padded up. What now? Quota works in batting order too? Must be 1 coloured player in top 4. Can't wait for one at the crease always.

— Alagappan Vijaykumar (@IndianMourinho) August 27, 2016

in Tests
Father: Jimmy Cook – 0, 43, 2, 31, 7, 24 – (107 runs) in 1992/93
Son: Stephen Cook – 115, 25, 20, 51* – (211* runs) in 2016#SAvNZ

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 27, 2016

This is South Africa's highest opening stand in 90 Test inns at home since 2005, 217 (Smith & de Villiers) v Zimbabwe, Cape Town. #SAvsNZ

— Shiva J (@Shiva_cricinfo) August 27, 2016

The two chefs cooking up an excellent starter here. #RSAvsNZ #SSCricket

— Mark Robson (@kramnosbor) August 27, 2016

Kids on the ground during lunch ! Something i haven't seen before #NZvsRSA @michaelsilvy @timmy_mac6 pic.twitter.com/h7kZSxAWhj

— Sam Shepherd (@sshepher11) August 27, 2016

50 for De Kock opening the innings. Must be amazing being this talented. SA 93/0. #SAvsNZ

— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) August 27, 2016

God is good. #SAvsNZ pic.twitter.com/lSJMl2NjdZ

— Simmi Areff (@simmiareff) August 27, 2016

Good opening stand by De Kock and Cook…moving De Kock up the order was a good call by the captain..#RSAvNZ #FeelTheProteaFire

— #ChinGigante (@GanjaXP) August 27, 2016

Great day for test cricket! #beer #braai #ProteaFire #Proteas pic.twitter.com/xE6a9vIKZX

— Byron Lottering (@byz08) August 27, 2016

Reckon by the third day of this test we could be dreaming of unplayable outfields… 😉 #savnz

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) August 27, 2016

Workload matters only if you are AB or Steve Smith. https://t.co/73jwli7J4O

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) August 27, 2016