Kane Williamson Scores Another Century as New Zealand Takes a 528-Lead in First Test Against SA

On day three of the first Test against a weaker South Africa, Kane Williamson scored his second century of the series to give New Zealand total control.

At Mount Maunganui, run machine Williamson was dismissed for a quick 109 runs as the home team scored 179-4 in the second innings, extending their advantage to 528 runs at the conclusion of play.

With South Africa facing a daunting task on a deteriorating Bay Oval surface, the Black Caps looked to declare early on Wednesday. Daryl Mitchell was at the crease on 11 and Tom Blundell on 5.

Shortly before lunch, the exhausted Proteas were bowled out for 162 after New Zealand’s first innings score of 511.

The world’s best batsman, Williamson, was able to make another huge score after scoring 118 in the first innings because the follow-on was not enforced.

Although it was the former captain’s 31st century in Test cricket, it was also the first time he had scored three figures in a single match.

The 34-year-old showed his aggressiveness right away, hitting 12 fours and a six in a 132-ball stay to indicate his intentions before being stumped by Proteas skipper Neil Brand’s ball.

Williamson’s prolific form was described as “fantastic” by New Zealand coach Stead for his teammates, who also highlighted Williamson’s support role when Rachin Ravindra scored his first double century in the first innings.

“Kane has been a fantastic player for us and he consistently scores runs,” said Stead.

“He’s a tired boy in there right now, so I imagine he’ll be getting some treatment tonight, but he’s great for the team.”

Stead opted to “keep them guessing” by not revealing if New Zealand would declare overnight.

He gave an explanation for his choice to forgo the follow-on, saying that he wanted to focus on his bowling attack’s conditioning before the second Test next week and the two Tests against Australia.

“We wanted to make sure our bowlers had a bit of freshness to them because this is the first of four Tests we have in a fairly short period of time.”

Williamson, who was on 61, again escaped a dropped catch in the outfield, this time by Edward Moore, as it had happened in the opening innings.

After opener Tom Latham was dismissed cheaply, Moore reacted in the next over by catching Devon Conway for 29 off Brand’s spin bowling, breaking Williamson and Moore’s partnership of 92 runs.

When South Africa lost their final six wickets for 82 runs on Tuesday, it was clear how weak their team was.

With most first-choice players staying behind to participate in a local Twenty20 tournament, the most experienced batsman in the team, Keegan Petersen, scored the highest score of 45 in his 13th Test match.

After failing to hook seamer Matt Henry and losing his overnight partner David Bedingham for thirty-two, Petersen lost Ruan de Swardt for a second-ball duck in the same over.

Six Proteas debutants, including wicketkeeper Clyde Fortuin, left for nine just before the visitors broke for lunch at 129-7.

Mitchell Santner finished with 3-34 after taking advantage of spin-friendly conditions, while Henry finished with 3-31.