Steyn bounces back into the Test Arena

Durban: Dale Steyn announced his return to the Test match arena in emphatic style with a two-wicket new ball burst on the second morning of the first Sunfoil Test match against New Zealand at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Saturday.

He dismissed both the opening batsmen in a spell of 6-4-3-2 to leave New Zealand on 15/2 at the lunch break and, with Vernon Philander also impressing with his opening burst which included a dropped catch, the Standard Bank Proteas first innings total of 265 was starting to take on a more substantial look.

The new ball pair showed just what the Proteas had missed for most of the previous season and gave them just the impetus they needed as they attempt to move up the ICC Test rankings.

After a delayed start for the second day in a row the Proteas managed to add 29 runs to their overnight total, thanks in the main to a 27-run partnership for the last wicket between Kagiso Rabada and Dane Piedt. Rabada finished unbeaten on 32 (60 balls, 5 fours) and looks like adding valuable lower order batting skills to his proven bowling ability.

The last two wickets for New Zealand were shared by Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Regrettably the rest of the day’s play was lost to rain and bad light.

Brief scores
South Africa - 263 (Amla 53, Wagner 3-47, Boult 3-52)
New Zealand - 15 for 2 (Steyn 2-3)
Status - New Zealand trail by 248 runs

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Australia vs Pakistan - 2nd T20I West Indies vs England - 4th T20I 2nd ODI - Sri Lanka v New Zealand - November 17, 09:00 GMT 5th T20I - West Indies v England - November 17, 20:00 GMT 4th T20I - South Africa v India at Johannesburg India won by 135 runs 3rd T20I - West Indies v England at St. Lucia England won by 3 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)

Steyn returns to the top of Test rankings [+]

He leapfrogs R Ashwin and James Anderson to take the top slot

Steyn Five-for Leads SA to Series Win [+]

Dale Steyn grabbed five wickets to lead South Africa to a 204 run-win over New Zealand in the second test at Centurion on Tuesday.

New Zealand Bowlers Fights but South Africa Edge [+]

South Africa were 105 for six at the close, an overall lead of 372 runs on a pitch at Centurion's SuperSport Park on Monday.

Faf du Plessis ton puts South Africa on top [+]

Faf du Plessis scored a fifth test century before his bowlers ripped through the New Zealand top order to leave South Africa firmly in charge after day two of the second test at Centurion on Sunday.

Top order gives SA control on Opening Day [+]

Half-centuries from Quinton de Kock, Stephen Cook, Hashim Amla and JP Duminy help home side go to stumps at 283/3.

South Africa face New Zealand in decider [+]

South Africa batsmen look to trump New Zealand bowlers at series decider second and final Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

First Test Drawn as Sodden Outfield Prevails [+]

The first test between South Africa and New Zealand ended in a damp draw on Tuesday without a ball bowled at Kingsmead.

Wet Outfield Means Another Day Lost [+]

A wet outfield again prevented play on the fourth day of the first test between South Africa and New Zealand in what is becoming an increasing embarrassment for the hosts.

Wet outfield washes out 3rd day play in Durban [+]

A wet outfield washes out third day of the first Test between South Africa and New Zealand at Kingsmead on Sunday.

Steyn bounces back into the Test Arena [+]

Dale Steyn announced his return to the Test match arena in emphatic style with a two-wicket new ball burst on the second morning of the first Sunfoil Test match against New Zealand at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead.