South Africa took control of a weather-disrupted opening day in the third Test against host New Zealand, compiling 136 for two on Friday on a wicket expected to favour the bowlers.
At the close of play at Basin Reserve, Alviro Petersen was unbeaten on 44 with J-P Duminy on 23, while the New Zealand bowlers were left to rue their failure to capitalise on a green-tinged wicket and overcast conditions.
Only 42 of the possible 90 overs were bowled following overnight rain that ruled out the morning session and bad light forced an early end to the day.
New Zealand captain Ross Taylor had no hesitation in opting to bowl saying he hoped “for some early wickets”, and had cause to celebrate with the disputed dismissal of Graeme Smith for five and the total at 13.
Doug Bracewell, the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, was fortunate to claim Smith's wicket, caught behind by Kruger van Wyk in the sixth over.
The South African captain appealed against the decision and television replays were inconclusive with a clear sound as the ball passed the bat but no touch registered with the hotspot detector.
However, from there the honours rested with South Africa — which leads the three-Test series 1-0 — with Hashim Amla (63) and Petersen putting on 93 for the second wicket. Amla posted his 23rd half-century in an effortless batting display and offering few chances.
