Proteas disastrous day with the bat puts New Zealand in control of first Test

Day 1 of 5

South Africa 95 all out

New Zealand 116/3

Johannesburg - New Zealand struck early, hard and regularly to blow away South Africa’s batting within two sessions on the opening day of the series in Christchurch on Thursday.

On a tricky surface, with a thick grass covering, there was plenty of seam movement, bounce and some swing which bowlers in both teams relished. Needing to hit back, the Proteas’ seamers found some joy as well, claiming three wickets before the close, although it should have been more were it not for some sloppy fielding.

The Black Caps have control of the match heading into the second day with a lead of 21 runs and the pitch having flattened appreciably as the sun beat down on it.

Devon Conway’s dismissal, 15 minutes before stumps - bowled off the inside edge by Duanne Olivier for 36 - lifted the spirits a little. Henry Nicholls survived two chances; the first when he had five, with Zubayr Hamza spilling a simple chance at third slip, and then Temba Bavuma also missed an easy catch at point when Nicholls was on 23. He will resume on Friday on 37 alongside nightwatchman, Neil Wagner who has scored one. Wagner was also dropped at shortleg by Rassie van der Dussen in the final over of the day.

Elgar lost his sixth toss in a row earlier, giving the hosts a significant advantage, which they used superbly, with Matt Henry, who is only playing in this Test because Trent Boult’s on paternity leave, taking a career best 7/23.

❌ DAY 1 | STUMPS@BLACKCAPS end the opening day's play on 116/3 with a lead of 21 runs. Earlier, the #Proteas were dismissed for 95.#NZvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/wkvriayTgd

The 30-year-old right arm seamer started the rot by dismissing Elgar with the 10th ball of the match,