Dale Steyn ruled the roost on rain-affected day two of the first Test against New Zealand, teasing the Kiwi openers before sending them packing. The visitors ended the day at 15/2 after playing only 12 overs, all of which were bowled before lunch. South Africa were earlier dismissed for 263 in the first innings after resuming play at 236/8. Kagiso Rabada (32 not out) chipped in with useful lower order runs. Only 28 overs were bowled before rain washed out two whole sessions.
Steyn and Vernon Philander had spent a good part of the last eight months nursing their respective injuries. They meant business here. Tom Latham and Martin Guptill endured a torrid time as the Kiwis came out to bat. The bowlers were getting prodigious swing and Latham tried his best not to play away from his body.
Steyn was operating at the level that he has been for the better part of the last decade. The ball was coming back into Latham and it was only a matter of time before the pace ace won the battle. The Kiwi southpaw prodded the ball into the waiting hands of Hashim Amla.
Guptill had redeemed himself, somewhat, in the five-day format against Zimbabwe a few weeks ago. Steyn made a mockery of that, trapping him leg-before. With the quality of bowling that was on display, there were murmurs of Centurion 2013, when New Zealand were shot out for 45.
The batting lynchpins of the visitors, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, survived till lunch. There was no further play. Evidence of the spiky nature of the Durban surface was evident in the early part of the day's play. Trent Boult (3/52) continued to build on where he had left on Friday. Southee had accounted for for the wicket of Steyn with the ball coming back a fraction to kiss the leg stump. Williamson and Co have their task cut out over the next three days.
Brief scores:
South Africa 263 (Hashim Amla 53, Temba Bavuma 46; Neil Wagner 3/47, Trent Boult 3/52) lead New Zealand 15/2 (Martin Guptill 7; Dale Steyn 2/3) by 248 runs.