Williamson, Ravindra centuries guide New Zealand on Day 1

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson gave the new and inexperienced South African XI a taste of a tough day in Tests as they consolidated comprehensively after the visitors made a good start to life in Mount Maunganui. The duo hit unbeaten hundreds and dragged New Zealand to 258 for 2 at stumps. This was Williamson’s 30th Test century while Ravindra got to three-figures for the first time in the format.

Right-arm fast bowler Tshepo Moreki had a dream start to his Test career as he had Devon Conway trapped leg before on the first ball of his career to leave New Zealand on 1 for 1. Dane Peterson, who tied down New Zealand well all day, broke through next – having Tom Latham nicking to Bjorn Fortuin.

Ravindra was then joined by Williamson at 39 for 2, who initially rebuilt rather cautiously. They dragged New Zealand to 65 for 2 at Lunch and then began to inch forward again after the break. Though South Africa didn’t find a way through the partnership, they did create chances – only to be undone by reviews and their own fielding lapses.

Ruan de Swardt should’ve been the second debutant to earn his maiden wicket towards the end of the second session when Williamson gave him the charge and miscued a big shot. However, that was not to be as the fielder at cover couldn’t hold on while making ground to his left. Williamson was on 45 when this reprieve came his way and he made the most of it. Late in the final session, more misery was in store for De Swardt as he induced a mistimed pull from Ravindra off a short ball, only for the deep backward square leg fielder to spill a tight chance.

Ravindra also rode his luck when outside edge flew over the slip cordon in the final session as South Africa let shoulders drop with every added run to New Zealand and the duo’s tally. The fast bowling trio of Duanne Olivier (19 overs), Dane Peterson (22 overs) and Tshepo Moreki (22 overs) bowled long spells through the day without much to show for it. Captain Neil Brand gave his quicks a break by bringing himself on occasionally but his left-arm spin was also dealt with.

Towards the end of the day, Williamson got to his century – 17th at home – with a pull off a short ball from Moreki. An over later from Peterson, Ravindra brought up his landmark. They didn’t let the milestones mess with their concentration as they went to stumps unscathed.

Brief scores:
New Zealand 258/2 (Rachin Ravindra 118*, Kane Williamson 112*) vs  South Africa