New Zealand Bowlers Given Workout Ahead Of First Test

New Zealand Bowlers Given Workout Ahead Of First Test

New Zealand took six wickets following a 161-run partnership between the Invitation XI openers.

©REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte. Picture Supplied by Action Images

NZders 311-6d (McCullum 65) v
SA Inv XI 274-6 (Kleinveldt 78)
Tour Match, Paarl, day two
Day One Report

The New Zealand bowlers were made to work hard for their wickets on day two of their only warm-up match before the first Test. The South Africa Invitation XI opening pair of Rassie van der Dussen and Matthew Kleinveldt added 161 for the first-wicket before the wickets began to fall in the second half of the day.

None of the New Zealand bowlers bowled particularly badly, with Jeetan Patel and Chris Martin only conceding a fraction over two runs an over. However, Western Province opener Kleinveldt - who has also played for Cape Cobras as well as Essex and Sussex second elevens - and North West’s van der Dussen played solidly and both passed 50.

Kleinveldt finally fell to veteran Auckland left-arm spinner Bruce Martin; his dismissal triggering a steady trickle of wickets. Colin Ackerman and Invitation XI captain Pite van Biljon then fell in relatively quick succession and sandwiched van der Dussen’s departure to Trent Boult. Martin then had his second when Uwe Birkenstock was trapped leg-before to make it 196 for five.

Keegan Petersen and wicket-keeper Bradely Barnes then provided some resistance with a sixth-wicket stand worth 56 before Barnes was LBW to Chris Martin shortly before the close. Petersen ended on 47 not out and had reduced his side’s arrears to just 37 by stumps.

In one other piece of news from the tour, New Zealand have announced that Peter Fulton has been ruled out the two Test matches after aggravating a knee injury whilst batting on day one. Fulton made 39 and did not appear to be in any discomfort, but complained of “significant pain” afterwards.