NZ under-19s in control after good first day effort

New Zealand developed a strong position on day one of the first Youth Test with South Africa and has already taken a 17-run lead with seven wickets in hand.

South Africa chose to bat first in the four-day game at Molyneux Park, Alexandra in Central Otago.

It proved a fatal choice as South Africa was dismissed for 150 and by stumps, New Zealand was 167/3 thanks largely to the efforts of Central Districts batsmen Greg Todd and Ross Taylor.

The wicket looked good and as the South African batting progressed it appeared to contain no dangers whatsoever. However, apart from the South African eaptain Rivash Gobind who scored 68, no player really got on top of the bowling.

The bowling was steady without being spectacular. Taraia Robin, another CD player did the early damage and finished the innings with 4-65. The other contributors were Ian Butler 2-32, Greg Todd 1-11 and Iain Robertson 1-1.

Wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum, of Otago, captained New Zealand well and made several diving saves and took four catches for his side, two of them being real pearlers. The fielding was enthusiastic and it was easy to distinguish that the Kiwis were very focused.

Setting out in pursuit of the South African 150, New Zealand were uncertain in the early stages of their innings and through the early stages battled through from 10/1, 35/2 and 51/3 before Todd and Taylor began the revival. They played some glorious shots off the South African attack.

In the early stages of their innings they were very watchful, but towards the end of the day attacked with some class and the very hot day ended with New Zealand 167/3. Todd was 66 not out and Taylor 54 not out.

Bowling for South Africa, Gerhard de Bruin had 2-11 and Warren Hauptfleisch 1-26.

Bowling and fielding in the unique Central Otago heat, South Africa understandably tired and their effort flagged a little as the afternoon wore on but in the absence of two of their main bowlers, Johan Botha and Monde Zondeki, they worked hard.