2nd Test: Sarel Erwee hundred helps South Africa bounce back on Day 1 against New Zealand
India Today
New Zealand v South Africa: Riding on a hundred from Sarel Erwee, South Africa came up with a strong batting performance on Day 1 of the 2nd Test as they look to recover from the massive defeat in the series opener.
South Africa bounced back from a horror batting performance in the Test series opener to put up a strong show on Day 1 of the 2nd Test against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Led by a hundred from rookie opener Sarel Erwee, the visitors reached 283/3 at Stumps on Friday, putting behind the scars of the 95-all out in the first innings of their first Test defeat in New Zealand.
Erwee managed only 10 runs on debut in a heavy defeat to the hosts in the series-opener last week, but the lefthander rebounded superbly, seeing off New Zealand's disciplined seam attack to be 100 not out on a glorious afternoon at Hagley Oval.
Number three Aiden Markram, spared the axe despite a dreadful run of form, made 42 before he fell to Nel Wagner after captain Dean Elgar hit 41 in a 111-run opening stand with Erwee.
Rassie van der Dussen (13*) and Temba Bavuma (22*) remained unbeaten as Soutth Africa look to build on their solid start and post a challenging total.
The breakthrough ended the opening partnership at 111 runs, South Africa's first above 100 since 2012, when Alviro Petersen and Graeme Smith combined for 138 in the second innings against Australia at Adelaide Oval.
Elgar and Erwee's stand was also a record for a visiting team's openers at the Christchurch ground.
Erwee, 32, brought up his century in the final over before lunch, pulling Neil Wagner to the fence after grinding through five maiden overs and a nervous period in the 90s.
