South Africa 390 for 5 (du Plessis 99*, Elgar 31*) v New Zealand
Faf du Plessis moved to the brink of his second Test century in just his fourth match to keep South Africa on track for a formidable total in Port Elizabeth. It was not easy for the batsmen on an overcast morning as the ball nipped around, but du Plessis was watchful and following the early loss of Hashim Amla consolidated the innings alongside Dean Elgar.
Du Plessis showed during his epic rearguard in Adelaide that he has a game that can adapt to various situations despite him having made his name in the one-day arena. With the ball moving he defended solidly, left well and waited for the poor delivery. There was a hint of desperation when New Zealand review an lbw shout from Neil Wagner with him on 80.
The moments approaching his hundred were not without nerves, though, as an inside edge dribbled past leg stump then, on 99, a ball spat off a length from Colin Munro to take the glove. He could only play out two maidens from Munro before lunch, meaning he went in still requiring a single for three figures.
The start was delayed by 15 minutes after a shower scudded across the ground then New Zealand began the day by applying some pressure. In the first over from Doug Bracewell, du Plessis took a painful blow in a very sensitive area and was down for the count as he caught his breath. As ever, it provided amusement to those sat in the comfort of the dressing room.
The opening ten overs brought just 11 runs and the prized wicket of Amla. After passing the outside edge on a number of occasions, it was probably Trent Boult's worst delivery of his opening spell which broke through when Amla flicked at a ball down the leg side and nicked through to BJ Watling ending a stand of 113. Boult's celebration amounted to a sheepish grin, but after seeing Amla dropped on 48 yesterday even removing him for 110 will have brought a sense of relief.
Elgar, who is trying to secure a place in the middle order, again looked nervous at the start of his innings as he flirted outside off stump. However, a strong pull off Wagner and two boundaries off Jeetan Patel - the second a thumping slog sweep - started to settle him, emphasised when he then lofted Patel straight down the ground shortly before lunch.
The problem for New Zealand was the support for Bracewell and Boult. Wagner proved expensive and before lunch Patel and Munro were operating in tandem. There was spin on offer for Patel, although that was a better sign for South Africa than for the visitors. This surface will not get better.
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