South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 2nd Test day 3, 5 Talking Points

#2 Watling's fight in vain

Watling once again played a gritty knock

BJ Watling and Jeet Raval seemed like the only two batsmen determined to play out the sharp bowling from the Proteas. Watling had resisted in the first innings as well making 34 from 132 balls and occupying the crease for large periods.

In the second innings, he walked in with the New Zealand innings in shambles at 90/5 and still trailing South Africa by a run. He put on a 65-run partnership with Raval but the latter eventually ran out of patience and charged down to Maharaj to be out stumped.

Watling continued to fight single-handedly but soon ran out of partners as Maharaj wreaked havoc at the other end. A frustrated Watling watched Southee slog one down to long-off to leave him stranded with the No. 10 and 11 for company.

Before long, Watling, who was left with just one partner, tried to hit Maharaj for a six only to be caught at long-off for 29 off 83 balls.