South Africa’s Ruan de Swardt (proper) and Shaun von Berg (left) stroll off the sphere on the finish of day one of many second Test cricket match between New Zealand and South Africa at Seddon Park in Hamilton on February 13, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AFP
All-rounders Ruan de Swardt and Shaun von Berg used “hard graft” to guide a South African rearguard on Tuesday as they reached 220-6 after New Zealand had dominated the beginning of the second Test.
De Swardt reached his maiden half-century and was 55 not out at stumps on day one. The 37-year-old Von Berg was 34 on his Test debut, with the pair having placed on an unbroken 70 off 27 overs at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
South Africa gained the toss however have been 64-3 at lunch and tottering at 150-6 early within the closing session after David Bedingham was dismissed in freakish trend.
After shedding in Mount Maunganui by 281 runs, an understrength South Africa should win to keep away from turning into the primary workforce from their nation to lose a Test collection to New Zealand.
De Swardt, who had been considered one of six Proteas debutants within the first Test, confirmed the specialist batsmen the right way to survive in a gritty 135-ball knock.
He acquired assist from veteran leg-spinner von Berg, who was lastly given a world alternative after taking part in 135 first-class matches.
“It was quite hard graft out there,” de Swardt stated.
“I thought the New Zealanders bowled pretty well but for me it was just about getting stuck into them, having that mental toughness and keeping going.
“There’s nonetheless fairly a bit within the wicket so if we will bat properly tomorrow, get previous 300, 350, we’re undoubtedly in with an opportunity.”
The pair halted a mini-collapse either side of the tea break inspired by Rachin Ravindra, who took 3-33.
Ravindra, who scored 240 in the first Test, underlined his all-round talent by removing Zubayr Hamza for a painstaking 20 off 99 balls and Keegan Petersen for two.
His left-arm spin then accounted for the unfortunate Bedingham, on 39, whose leg-side flick struck the top of his shoe and flew to close-in fielder Will Young.
South Africa made a dreadful start when makeshift opener Clyde Fortuin was dismissed for nought first ball in the second over, caught brilliantly in the gully by Glenn Phillips off Matt Henry.
Pace bowler Will O’Rourke took a wicket on debut when he had captain Neil Brand trapped leg before for 25 midway through the first session.
Raynard van Tonder was then out for 32 just before lunch, caught at gully after failing to get on top of Neil Wagner’s short delivery.
“It was in all probability a little bit slower, the wicket, than what we have been anticipating,” said O’Rourke.
“We strangled them rather well. I believe we’re pleased with the day.”
South Africa strengthened their spin assault by choosing von Berg and recalling off-spinner Dane Piedt for his first Test in 4 years.
They changed opener Edward Moore and seamer Duanne Olivier.
For New Zealand, the 22-year-old O’Rourke changed Kyle Jamieson, who had again ache following the primary Test.
Veteran seamer Wagner was recalled instead of spinner Mitchell Santner, whereas Young changed batsman Daryl Mitchell, who was dominated out with a foot damage.
