South Africa complete innings victory

Reuters: South Africa completed an innings victory over New Zealand within three days on Friday in a result which was never in doubt after the visitors collapsed to 45 all out before lunch on the opening day of the first test.

Dean Brownlie’s maiden test century helped New Zealand to 232 for five at lunch on the third day after South Africa had declared their first innings closed at 347 for eight on Thursday.

However, five wickets fell for 23 runs in a lower order collapse in the second session and the New Zealanders ended up 27 runs short of making the world number one side bat again.

Brownlie, who had been brought into the team as a replacement for Ross Taylor who opted out of the tour after he was replaced as Captain by Brendon McCullum, resumed on day three with wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who was on 10.

The duo were resolute in the morning session and a frustrated Proteas’ outfit were forced to watch as Brownlie reached his century with a big six over long-off from the bowling of Robin Peterson.South Africa eventually got their man in the penultimate over before lunch as Brownlie cut a Morne Morkel delivery straight to Alviro Petersen on the point boundary having made 109.