Test match between New Zealand and South Africa, pace bowler Will O'Rourke made a memorable debut by claiming a crucial wicket. South Africa, batting on a challenging green-tinged Seddon Park pitch in Hamilton, found themselves struggling at 64-3 by lunch on Tuesday.
Zubayr Hamza and David Bedingham were at the crease for the visitors, with Hamza on five off 48 balls and Bedingham yet to score. The South African team, which was understrength due to several key players competing in a domestic Twenty20 competition back home, opted to bat first.
New Zealand, eager to secure their first-ever series victory over South Africa after 17 previous unsuccessful attempts dating back to 1931, made an excellent start to the match. Clyde Fortuin, promoted as an opener, was dismissed for a duck off the very first ball he faced, caught brilliantly by Glenn Phillips at gully off Matt Henry's delivery.
Captain Neil Brand fell for 25 just before the drinks break, adjudged leg before wicket to the lively bowling of O'Rourke, who was one of three changes in the New Zealand lineup from the first Test.
South Africa suffered another setback when Raynard van Tonder was caught at gully for 32 in the over before lunch, failing to handle Neil Wagner's short delivery.
The Proteas made two changes to their side from the first Test, introducing leg-spinning all-rounder Shaun von Berg for his debut at the age of 37 and recalling off-spinner Dane Piedt for his 10th Test. New Zealand, on the other hand, brought in O'Rourke to replace the injured Kyle Jamieson and made two other changes, with veteran seamer Wagner coming in for spinner Mitchell Santner and Will Young replacing the injured Daryl Mitchell.
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