Proteas completely outplayed by Black Caps in first test

The Proteas were completely outplayed by the Black Caps in the first test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, going down by an innings and 276-runs in under three days on Saturday.

It was a disastrous showing from the visitors who scored just 95 and 111 in their two innings, while watching New Zealand make batting look easy in amassing 482 all out in their only outing.

The Proteas started the final day on 34/3 with seven wickets in hand, however, only Temba Bavuma (41) and Kyle Verreynne (30) showed any real fight, before they were put out of their misery before lunch.

“We were pretty much out skilled in all three departments of test cricket and we failed to execute the basics I’d say,” admitted Proteas skipper Dean Elgar after the match.

“It was not a very good show from us considering what we had built up prior to coming to New Zealand and playing in this test series. So it has been extremely disappointing in the way the last few days have gone.”

Elgar admits that the team has a lot of soul searching to do over the coming week as they prepare for the second and final test at the same ground starting next week Friday

“It’s still difficult for me to put my finger on what went wrong. Well, a lot went wrong and not a lot went right,” said Elgar.

“So we have a few days now to reflect and obviously go back to the drawing board and have a few looks in the mirror. I think that’s a good reflection and a good way for us to approach the next game.”

STAR OF THE DAY

Tim Southee was the star of the final day as he tore through the Proteas middle and lower order, eventually ending with super second innings figures of 5/35.

He also became New Zealand’s highest international wicket-taker in the country, passing legendary fast bowler Sir Richard Hadlee’s 201 scalps, with Southee ending the match with 202 in total.

“We turned up this morning, we know it’s not in South Africa’s nature to roll over and we know we had a lot of work in front of us and I think it was just a clinical three days from everyone,” said Southee.

“I guess when you play for long enough you can tick off a few milestones along the way, but I guess whenever you’re in the same conversation as Sir Richard it’s always a special moment.

'PRETTY SPECIAL'

Matt Henry was named man-of-the-match due to his outstanding contributions in all three innings, picking up 7/23 in SA’s first innings, scoring 58 not out in New Zealand’s innings and then finishing with figures of 2/32 in SA’s second innings for a brilliant all-round showing.

"It’s pretty special to get man of the match here, it is a great occasion and for all of us to have a performance like that here has been brilliant,” said Henry.

“I think it was just important to keep them playing, you have to give credit to the whole bowling group, I think we created pressure from both ends for a long period and I was the one that got the reward at the other end.”

New Zealand captain Tom Latham was absolutely thrilled with his charges and praised the batting department for backing up the brilliant bowling effort in the match.

"It's a fantastic performance and winning the toss was a big part of it. It's probably the perfect performance. We are used to these conditions, we put their bowlers under pressure and scored at four-an-over and we kept putting partnerships together,” said Latham.

“We know how good South Africa are. We expect them to be at their best next game and our focus is coming out and winning the next test match."