New Zealand Can't Spit The Duminy

JP Duminy poking tongue
at the bowlers

After two short, wet days at Wellington's Basin reserve, South Africa have batted themselves through stops and starts and into control of a Test which is likely to get hectic on the third day.

The second day was similar to the first, with just 37 overs possible but even less success for the Kiwis. After Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla had left on the first day, Alviro Petersen and JP Duminy offered no respite, adding a further 110 runs without loss. Duminy, one of the stars of the South Africa tour without a Test appearance, came into the side for a stiff-necked Jacques Kallis and is making hay when the sun doesn't shine. Petersen finished the day four runs short of his third Test hundred in what has been a stop and start career with only moderate results. A big hundred here might be the catalyst for more success. For Duminy, who has battled with Jacques Rudolph for the number six spot, a big hundred will reignite the confidence of the selectors after his career started so brilliantly against the Australians three years ago and then quickly petered out. Few international cricketers have worked as hard to regain their spot. It is often the case that the player who starts well and is then dropped, comes back a far better player than when he was in the starry spotlight. Take Michael Clarke as just one example of many.

Alviro Petersen nearing his hundred

New Zealand created few opportunities and their bowling, whilst tight, was symptomatic of the paradox of Daniel Vettori - he'll make you work for runs but he's unlikely to get you out. Martin Guptil had the best opportunity, diving well away to his right at slip when Petersen flashed at Doug Bracewell but he couldn't hold on. Bracewell continues to be New Zealand's brightest spark. He brings an energy and a belief in his work which has gone missing from the men with many appearances in the Black Cap, such as Chris Martin and Vettori. Like any scatologist, they are simply going through the motions.

With the forecast suggesting blue skies but limp sunshine, South Africa will press on quickly to 500 plus in an effort to make sure they only bat once. Aggression should reward them by tea and Vernon Philander and his supporting cast should do the rest.