Page 3 - South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 1st Test, Day 1

South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 1st Test, Day 1 - 5 talking points

Modified Mar 08, 2017 11:42 IST

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 08: Neil Wagner (L) and Jimmy Neesham celebrate the dismissal of Hashim Amla of South Africa during day one of the First Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at University Oval on March 8, 2017 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images) — Wagner was on fire for the hosts early on

#3 Faf du Plessis' terrific knock and lame dismissal

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 08: Faf du Plessis, Captain of South Africa, bats during day one of the First Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at University Oval on March 8, 2017 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images) — du Plessis played some sweetly timed shots before Neesham got the better of him

Faf du Plessis walked in with South Africa having their backs against the wall at 22/3. He had seen Wagner dismiss Amla and Duminy in the same over and needed to give Elgar some firm company.

He remained defensive at the start as Elgar pounced on anything loose and wide. His first boundary was a strong sweep shot off Jeetan Patel. He followed that up with another in the next ball. He was fleet-footed against the spinners and smashed Wagner through covers.

A splendid cover drive off Santner helped him to a well-deserved half-century. But Du Plessis got greedy after he was reprieved by the DRS as he pulled a ball from Neesham to Boult in the deep to be dismissed for 52 after a 126 run stand with Elgar.

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Edited by Staff Editor