Kagiso Rabada Proteas. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

Kagiso Rabada and Proteas teammates. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

DAY THREE: Proteas extend lead beyond 200 runs against New Zealand

The result of the second Test between the Proteas and New Zealand hangs in the balance after a tense day three of action.

Kagiso Rabada Proteas. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

Kagiso Rabada and Proteas teammates. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

After suffering a humiliating defeat in the opening Test, the Proteas have rocked up at the same venue just a few days later and completely turned their fortunes around.

LIVE: SOUTH AFRICA V NEW ZEALAND, 2ND TEST DAY 1 – FRIDAY, 25 FEBRUARY

The opening day of action saw captain Dean Elgar bravely take the decision to bat first on a greenish pitch, but the team responded in fine fashion as various batsmen made important contributions.

Of course, the first innings will always be remembered for the superb century of Sarel Erwee, which was the foundation for South Africa’s eventual total of 364.

When New Zealand came into bat, the Proteas at one point had taken complete control of the match after reducing the hosts to 91/5, but Daryl Mitchell (60) and Colin de Grandhomme (120 not out), combined for a superb partnership.

In particular, De Grandhomme delivered one of his finest batting performances to lead New Zealand to 293, with Proteas paceman Kagiso Rabada recording figures of 5/60 as he emerged as the pick of the bowlers.

In the Proteas’ second innings, things got off to a nervous start as the visitors were reduced to 38/3 – with Aiden Markram failing once again – but Rassie van der Dussen (45) and Temba Bavuma (23) somewhat stabilised proceedings before both fell to soft dismissals.

By the end of the day, Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder were looking to continue a repair job, taking South Africa to 140/5 with a lead of 211 at the close of play.

You can see the full scorecard here

PROTEAS TEAM NEWS

In changes that were made for the second Test, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder came back into the side, while Keshav Maharaj also returned. Interestingly, Lutho Sipamla cracked the nod in place of Glenton Stuurman.

South Africa

Dean Elgar (captain), Sarel Erwee, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne (wkt), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Lutho Sipamla

New Zealand

Tom Latham (captain), Will Young, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wkt), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry

STATS AND TRIVIA

New Zealand have never beaten South Africa in a Test series and have lost 13 out of 16 series against them

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