Recap: Black Caps vs South Africa - first test, day two at Bay Oval

Monday, 5 February 2024

First cricket test:** Black Caps v South Africa. Where: Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui. When: 11am Monday (day two of five). Coverage: Live on TVNZ Duke, TVNZ+, live updates on Stuff.**

Plenty more runs beckon for the Black Caps’ master and apprentice on Monday after a dominant opening day of the first test against South Africa.

Playing his fourth test, Rachin Ravindra resumes on 118 after posting his maiden century in a memorable unbroken stand of 219 with former skipper Kane Williamson who notched a mind-boggling 30th test ton.

Williamson was 112 not out at stumps on day one at his home ground.

It was a far cry from 39-2 after visiting skipper Neil Brand, one of six South Africans on test debut, called correctly and opted to bowl first.

Rachin Ravindra had a day to remember - his maiden test century and a big stand with Kane Williamson.

Home skipper Tim Southee said he would have batted first had he won the toss, and Ravindra and Williamson showed why as they took charge in the second and third sessions in the Bay of Plenty sun.

Both were given huge let-offs, too, with Williamson dropped on 45 and Ravindra on 80 - both difficult but very catchable chances.

The forecast

MetService predicts another stunner for greater Tauranga on Monday: fine with a light breeze and a maximum temperature of 27C.

The odds

Bookmakers had written off chances of a South African win after day one as they drifted to $27 with the TAB. The Black Caps remained heavy favourites for victory at $1.26, with the draw shortening in to $3.75.

The teams

Black Caps: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tim Southee (capt).

South Africa: Neil Brand (capt), Edward Moore, Raynard van Tonder, Zubayr Hamza, David Bedingham, Keegan Peterson, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Duanne Olivier, Tshepo Moreki, Dane Paterson.