A maiden hundred from Saral Erwee, in only his second Test match, put South Africa in a commanding position on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. South Africa finished the day on 238/3, with Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma at the crease.
Dean Elgar surprised everyone by opting to bat after winning the toss. It was a brave call, considering the fact that South Africa were bowled out for 95 and 111 in the first Test match. Elgar justified his decision by forging a 111-run stand with Erwee for the first wicket.
The pair survived a tricky phase before batting became relatively easier as the day progressed. There was not much movement for New Zealand's five-pronged pace attack, who later resorted to short-pitched bowling.
They had to wait for over 36 overs before Tim Southee provided the breakthrough by uprooting Elgar's (41) stumps. Aiden Markram then helped Erwee put on 88.
Erwee reached his hundred three balls before tea. New Zealand then got two wickets in four balls to gain some control of the game. Neil Wagner induced an edge off Markram (42), and Matt Henry got Erwee for 108.
Bavuma played some glorious shots for his unbeaten 22, and van der Dussen will resume on 13.
South Africa 238/3 (Saral Erwee 108; Tim Southee 1-41) vs New Zealand.