CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) – Vernon Philander’s sensational five-wicket burst helped South Africa skittle out New Zealand for 45 runs inside 20 overs on the opening morning of the first test at Newlands today.
New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum’s decision to bat first boomeranged with Philander (5-7) striking in the second over when he had Martin Guptill caught behind for one with the score on seven.
It triggered an ignominious procession for the New Zealanders with Philander removing McCullum, Dean Brownlie and Kane Williamson in his next three overs as the visitors lost their top half for 27 runs inside 10 overs.
Williamson’s 13 was the highest individual score as none of his team mates managed double figures.
Paceman Morne Morkel (3-14) soon got into the act, removing James Franklin caught at first slip for one.
Dale Steyn came into the match needing just one wicket to reach the 300 mark in tests and he returned after a barren first spell to reach the milestone by removing Doug Bracewell’s off-stump with a fine out-swinger.
Morkel claimed the wickets of Jeetan Patel and Trent Boult before Steyn picked up the final wicket when Daniel Flynn, who survived 28 deliveries, skied one back to the fast bowler.
This was New Zealand’s third lowest total in test cricket.
