McKenzie century gives SA edge

McKenzie hit an impressive maiden century

2nd Test: South Africa v New Zealand

New Zealand: 1st innings 298

South Africa: 1st innings: 361-8

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Niall McKenzie's maiden Test century helped South Africa regain the initiative on the third day of the second Test against New Zealand at Port Elizabeth.

McKenzie's stylish 120 saw South Africa move to 361 for eight at the close to give them a lead of 63.

With the Kiwis needing a win to square the series, the Proteas are in a real position of strength.

Twenty-five-year-old McKenzie, playing just his fifth Test, shared an eighth-wicket stand of 136 - a record for South Africa against New Zealand - with Nicky Boje (51 not out) after it had seemed the tourists might gain a first innings advantage.

They came together when South Africa were 209 for seven and still 89 behind.

Century

The partnership ended a fine fightback by New Zealand which had started with a late rally in their first innings and continued with disciplined bowling and keen fielding when South Africa batted.

McKenzie reached his century off 164 balls with 17 fours. He was out after facing 206 deliveries and hitting 19 fours when he spooned a drive to cover off medium-pacer Craig McMillan.

Earlier, New Zealand struck twice just before lunch to gain control before McKenzie wrested back the initiative.

Chris Martin and Shayne O'Connor grabbed quick wickets after taking the new ball as South Africa dipped from 181 for four to 198 for six at lunch.

Chris Martin struck for Shaun Pollock's wicket

With the loss of Klusener they had slipped to 209 for seven before Boje and McKenzie's vital partnership.

In the morning the New Zealand attack was made to look threatening throughout as the batsmen struggled to score.

However, Martin had been hit out of the attack by Daryll Cullinan after just two of his overs at the start of play. Three short deliveries in the second over were dispatched for fours by Cullinan, who then hit replacement Brooke Walker for six.

Atonement

But Walker atoned in the 14th over of the day when he had Cullinan bowled after a rash shot for 33 to leave South Africa on 151 for four.

Economical bowling from Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan restricted the South African run rate before the Kiwis made optimum use of the new ball, which was taken after 80 overs.

Shaun Pollock's cautious spell at the crease was ended when he was caught at third slip off Martin for 33 off 110 balls.

Mark Boucher followed in quick succession, clean bowled by Shayne O'Connor for a duck to leave the score 184 for six.