South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 3rd Test, Day 2, 5 Talking Points
New Zealand opening pair, Jeet Raval and Tom Latham, put on the best opening stand of the series for the Kiwis as they moved to 67/0 at stumps on Day 2, after Quinton de Kock's 90 had taken South Africa to 314.
Resuming from their overnight score, du Plessis struck a half-century while Bavuma hung around for a little bit before he gave away yet another useful start. de Kock, however, showed little signs of injury as he appeared positive in a brilliant 90 that took South Africa to 314.
Latham, for once, looked solid and Jeet Raval played with confidence as the pitch eased out late in the day. Keshav Maharaj bowled some deliveries that fizzed off the surface to suggest that spin might play a huge role as the game goes on.
Brief Scores: South Africa 314/10 (de Kock 90, du Plessis 53, Henry 4/93); New Zealand 67/0 (Latham 42)
Here are the talking points from the second day's play at Hamilton.
#5 Latham catches two stunners
Tom Latham has been woefully out of form, but the New Zealand team management seem to have so much faith in the opening batsmen that he has been persisted with despite pretty mediocre returns.
His confidence has taken a beating and a couple of missed catching chances in the first two Tests added to his problems. However, in Hamilton, on day 2, he redeemed some of his confidence with two spectacular takes, the first of which was a well anticipated and completed catch.
Du Plessis tried to paddle sweep Santner and Latham at short leg moved quickly to leg slip position when he saw the batsman attempting a stroke and held onto a stunning right-handed catch. He then pounced an equally good one at second slip to send back Philander.
These catches should have given him some confidence and the Black Caps will be hoping that he clicks with the bat too.