Erwee's maiden ton leads the way as Proteas lay foundation in do-or-die NZ Test

Sarel Erwee's maiden Test ton drove South Africa's much-improved batting display as they finished the first day of the second Test against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on 238/3 on Friday.

When the Proteas lost Aiden Markram (41) and Erwee (108) in the 69th and 70th overs to Neil Wagner (1/50) and Matt Henry (1/65) respectively, the score was on 199, six runs away from the collective 205 of both innings of the first Test.

It also helped that Temba Bavuma (22*), despite a skittish start where his first eight runs were squeezed through the slip cordon, and Rassie van der Dussen (13*) played with a sense of purpose that didn't allow New Zealand's bowlers to make further inroads.

However, they had a lot to thank for Erwee's knock, one that was nerveless in light of the pressure the Proteas were under leading into the game.

If there were any portent of favourable fortune for the visitors, it started when captain Dean Elgar won his first toss since becoming Proteas captain and against local advice, chose to bat first.

The Hagley Oval strip, despite the consistent bounce it offered through the day and how it quickens up as the match progresses, was far less green as compared to the first Test.

There were changes, with Wiaan Mulder coming in for the injured Zubayr Hamza, Lutho Sipamla for Duanne Olivier and Keshav Maharaj for Glenton Stuurman.

That said, Elgar (41) and Erwee showed the necessary application and grit that saw them navigate a tricky first morning and remain unbeaten at lunch at 80/0

They extended their opening stand to 111 in 36 overs before Elgar was castled by Tim Southee (1/41).

That opened up a chance for Markram, who was retained in what could be termed as a last chance saloon considering his poor