South Africa v New Zealand, 2nd Test, Centurion, Day 2 - South Africa are in a commendable position

When Dale Steyn is bowling in his actual rhythm, time stands still. For a year or so, he was missing from the scene, but I was glad to see him back in action yesterday. The pace was there and those fullish deliveries pitched in and around the fourth and fifth stump at pace triggered thrilled among those who loves to watch the fast bowlers. On a slow-and-low track, Steyn meant business and grabbed a wicket. Vernon Philander was the first one to jolt the New Zealand batting line up and then panic set up as Ross Taylor was run out which left the Kiwis reeling at 38 for 3.

Faf du Plessis didn’t leave the scene after just scoring a half century, but put a price tag on his wicket. He scored an unbeaten 112 runs, which was the result of spending more time at the crease rather than bloody boundary based batting. You are here to play Test cricket and not perform in a porn movie.

Trent Boult, yet again, bowled well, but went wicketless. 

While, Neil Wagner bagged a five-for with minimum support from his partners. In my opinion, Boult targeted the edge more. His incoming and outgoing deliveries found the edge and left the bat more than going to the fielders. On such tracks, if you are looking for the edge, then, deliver it at pace. Boult can deliver the ball around  145-150 km/hour, but on such a track, 135-140 won’t work until and unless the ball is hard and new. Boult didn’t fire the old ball right on the block hole, which in fact, quite natural for him.

At the other end, Wagner varied his length and deliveries more than Boult and Tim Southee, who I felt bowled in patches. Wagner’s short-pitch stuffs targeting rib cage was testing and the effort to leave the ball away from the bat from round the wicket was exciting stuff. It was a display of pure skill and temperament.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar