Rookie opener Sarel Erwee struck his maiden century as South Africa enjoyed a strong start in the second test against New Zealand.
South African opening batter Sarel Erwee set his side up well on the first day of the second test against New Zealand in Christchurch. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
South Africa are 238-3 at stumps.
South Africa captain Dean Elgar won the toss and elected to bat first on a green-tinged pitch at Hagley Oval, with his team looking to bounce back from their second-worst test defeat in the series opener at the same ground.
He and fellow opener Erwee managed only 11 runs between them in the first test but were rock-solid against probing pace and seam throughout the morning session on Friday.
Playing his second test, lefthander Erwee brought up his 50 in the final over before lunch, driving all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme to the fence.
Pace bowler Tim Southee bowled Elgar for 41, the only wicket the New Zealanders took before tea.
The breakthrough ended the opening partnership at 111 runs, South Africa's first above 100 since 2012, when Alviro Petersen and Graeme Smith combined for 138 in the second innings against Australia at Adelaide Oval.
Elgar and Erwee's stand was also a record for a visiting team's openers at the Christchurch ground.
South Africa started the final session on 163-1 with out-of-form number three Aiden Markram playing a supporting role to Erwee.
Markram was out for 42 caught off the bowling of Neil Wagner and Erwee was out three balls later for 108 off the bowling of Matt Henry.
South Africa will start day two with Rassie van der Dussen at the crease on 13 and Temba Bavuma on 22.
New Zealand lead the two-test series 1-0 after completing a thumping innings and 276-run win in the first test.
South Africa made three changes, bringing in all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, spinner Keshav Maharaj and paceman Lutho Sipamla.
Batsman Zubayr Hamza was ruled out with a fractured thumb, while pace bowlers Duanne Olivier and Glenton Stuurman were dropped.
New Zealand, missing captain Kane Williamson and pace spearhead Trent Boult, stuck with the same 11 who were dominant in the series-opener as they look to complete their first ever series win over the Proteas.
While a draw will be enough for New Zealand to win the series, victory would see them dislodge Australia as the world's number one test side, while shoring up their World Test Championship defence with maximum points.
- Reuters/RNZ