Is there a way back for Proteas after NZ nightmare? 'Cricket is a funny game'

The Proteas were rocked on day one of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday, but fast bowler Duanne Olivier believes it is the "South African way" to show character in times like these. 

Having been put in to bat, the Proteas were all out for 95 in carding their lowest ever Test innings total against the Black Caps. 

READ | Proteas set host of unwanted record against NZ

At stumps, New Zealand were 116/3 and 21 runs ahead of their visitors. 

It doesn't paint a pretty picture for the Proteas, who have never lost a Test series in New Zealand before, but Olivier believes that there is a way back into the contest for South Africans. 

"It's about how we come back tomorrow. It's the South African way, and it's about showing character and coming back. There are four days of cricket left and a lot of overs to be bowled and to bat," he told media after play. 

Olivier was the pick of the Proteas bowlers with figures of 2/36, and he also looked on as four catches were grassed, including one off his own bowling against nightwatchman Neil Wagner in the last over of the day.

With Lungi Ngidi ruled out of the Test with a back strain, Olivier becomes even more key for the Proteas and he believes that a promising start on Friday can change the complexion of the Test. 

"If we switch on, that first hour tomorrow is going to be key for us. If we do well there, it will bring us back into the game," he said. 

"We are behind the eight ball and we only scored 95 batting first ... but we can still bowl them out for 180 and cricket is a funny game.

"Today might belong to them, but tomorrow can be our day and things can swing 180 degrees.

"I think it's just about sticking to what we've done well in the past; sticking to our DNA and