S Africa take control
South Africa's top four batsmen all made half-centuries as New Zealand's decision to bowl first failed to pay off on the first day of the series-deciding second Test at SuperSport Park on Saturday.
South Africa were 283 for three at the end of a day when New Zealand were on the wrong end of no fewer than five leg before wicket decisions, while seam bowler Doug Bracewell limped off late in the day with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Stephen Cook (56) and Quinton de Kock (82) gave South Africa a strong start with an opening partnership of 133. Hashim Amla and JP Duminy followed up with innings of 58 and 67 not out respectively.
Cook, Amla and Duminy all survived close calls by the umpires.
New Zealand unsuccessfully called for a review when Cook was given not out against Trent Boult by umpire Paul Reiffel when he was on one.
Umpire Ian Gould was then involved in four decisions, giving Amla and Duminy out but seeing both overturned on review.
SCORES IN BRIEF
SOUTH AFRICA: 182 for 2 (de Kock 82, Cook 56, Amla 58, Duminy 67 not out; Wagner 2-51)