Steyn swings it SA’s way before rain arrives

Day two of the first Test between South Africa and New Zealand in Durban saw only one session played, as rain arrived at lunch and never left, leaving the Black Caps on 15 for two.

Dale Steyn took two quick wickets before the weather turned, to rattle the Kiwi top order, and this left them visitors 248 runs behind. The Proteas had been bowled out for 263 earlier in the session, losing their final two wickets.

The day began with the hosts eight down for 236 runs, with Kagiso Rabada and Steyn in the middle. Rabada had shown impressive technique with the bat the night before, and that continued in the morning.

Steyn was quick to depart though, failing to add to his overnight score of two as he was bowled by Tim Southee. Dane Piedt made nine before being caught behind off Trent Boult, leaving Rabada unbeaten on 32, his highest Test score.

The Proteas then did well with the swinging ball, and could have had their two wickets even cheaper but for the slips. Dean Elgar watched the ball drop just short off steyn, and then Elgar properly dropped one off Vernon Philander with the score on six.

But it didn't matter, as Tom Latham was well caught by Hashim Amla at first slip off Steyn for four, and then Martin Guptill was trapped plumb in front by the paceman. He had made seven.

This left Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor to rescue the knock, but when bad light was offered they took it immediately, both sitting on two not out. 

This signalled the arrival of lunch, and also the end of the day as thunder and lightning in the afternoon made a return impossible.