Williamson leads fightback by injury-hit N Zealand
DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AFP) — South Africa made Kane Williamson their number one target as the battling New Zealander ensured his side prospered despite a crippling injury to Ross Taylor on day two of the first Test yesterday.
Williamson led a charmed life at the crease, surviving three edges and a run-out attempt to be 78 not out at stumps with New Zealand 177 for three, 131 runs behind South Africa’s first-innings total of 308 in Dunedin.
While New Zealand were sweating on the fitness of senior batsman Taylor, who was on eight when he limped off with a calf injury, South Africa Bowling Coach Charl Langeveldt said Williamson’s wicket was their chief concern.
“We have to try and contain Kane Williamson; definitely he’s the key. I’m not sure if Ross Taylor is going to come back,” Langeveldt said while conceding Williamson was winning the battle with South Africa’s bowling spearhead Vernon Philander.
New Zealand’s chief destroyer Trent Boult, with four for 64 in unhelpful bowling conditions, said they would not know until today if Taylor could resume playing, but the prospects were not good.
“It’s a shame to see him limp off like that. He’s big player for us,” Boult said.
Taylor was injured running a single during a fiery spell by Morne Morkel, who two balls earlier had hit him on the head.
In his first Test following in a year after a long-injury layoff, Morkel sent down a lively 10 overs for 26 and showed no sign of discomfort.
New Zealand wrapped up the South African innings five overs after lunch, with the last six wickets falling for only 56 runs.
It was a rapid end to an innings where the wicket offered little for the bowlers and Dean Elgar, with his 140, had the tourists well placed at 252 for four.