Photo: Getty ImagesIn front of a stacked field but a sparse crowd, questions were raised about the application of New Zealand's top order batsmen on the third day of the second test against South Africa at Centurion. The bowling attack responded to have South Africa reeling at 105 for six by stumps, but the coup de grace appeared to be struck. Conservatism from stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis in his second test in the role is understandable, but the Black Caps' prospects of a first series victory against the Proteas look to have evaporated. His injury worries of recent months have coincided with South Africa's slide to seventh in the test rankings. Tim Southee and Trent Boult revived New Zealand's flatlining presence with two wickets apiece to rock South Africa at 47 for four in the 12th over after du Plessis opted not to enforce the follow-on.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 29, 2016 18:22 UTC