South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 3rd Test Day 1, 5 Talking Points
New Zealand edged ahead on a rain-curtailed day by dismissing four of the Proteas batsmen after the visitors opted to bat first. Having lost their openers in quick time, Amla and du Plessis helped them to 123/4 at stumps although the former was dismissed after a half-century.
New Zealand, playing without their strike bowlers, Boult and Southee, rode on some excellent bowling by de Grandhomme and Matt Henry as they pushed South Africa to a corner with frequent wickets.
Rain prevented them from making further inroads into the South African batting line-up. Amla's solid half-century was the only major highlight for the Proteas and they would be pleased that New Zealand had no reviews left when du Plessis edged Wagner behind.
Brief Scores: South Africa 123/4 (Amla 50, du Plessis 33, Henry 2/25).
Here are the talking points from day 1 of the final Test at Hamilton.
#5 Theunis de Bruyn's unlucky debut
South Africa are probably the one team that is consistent in its team selection. Once a player is selected, he is usually given a fair run in the side.
However, they seemed to have had enough of Stephen Cook's hanging bat despite not having a reserve opener in the squad.
In came Theunis de Bruyn – a middle order batsman – opening the innings on a green pitch against some quality seamers. Sure enough, he edged his third ball to slip off Matt Henry to depart for a duck. It was pretty harsh on the Knights player to be asked to bat in an unfamiliar position on debut.