Twitter Reactions: South African batsmen dance to new Zealand's tune on Day 1

New Zealand made inroads in the South African batting lineup when they picked up 8 wickets on a pristine bowling track at Kingsmead in Durban. However, in spite of that, there were a few instances where the specators found ways to cheer in the batting. Hashim Amla and Temba Bavuma made spared South Africa of their blushes when they smashed 53 and 46 respectively. However, the Kiwi bowlers were well in their rhythm when they smashed through records and ensured that they reached a psychological score of 236/8 at the end of the day’s play.

The day began in a terrible manner when rain made a divine intervention and slammed proceedings. Lights were introduced in the first session of play when the ball was seaming all the way on the pitch. Tim Southee and Trent Boult were the major players in the morning session in spite of Southee going wicketless. Boult on the other hand made an impact with the ball with some terrific inswingers and outswingers that eventually saw them dismiss opening pair Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar.

With AB de Villiers out of the side, the reins of captaincy were handed to Faf du Plessis. However, in spite of his presence in the side, JP Duminy was promoted up the batting order, something that raised a few eyebrows. However, in spite of looking solid, a rush of blood saw Duminy throw his wicket as he was snapped up by Neil Wagner. Mitchell Santner also chipped in with two wickets as Doug Bracewell aslo made an impact with the ball after being roped in for the first test.

Also read – SA v NZ 1st Test, Day 1 Review: New Zealand dominate proceedings

However, Temba Bavuma (46) and Quinton de Kock (33) stitched a wonderful partnership amid the ruins of the Proteas batting unit and ensured that they reached the 200-run mark. At stumps, they were at 236/8.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

When those 2 wickets fell #SAvNZ pic.twitter.com/Fdh4YXLKDT

— Phumla Malishe (@Miss_Pumba05) August 19, 2016

Turns on #SAvNZ. Mitchell Satnav takes two in three.

Might just keep watching for a little bit…

— Dial M For Misbah (@NakulMPande) August 19, 2016

For a guy who plays ODI and has a great record, de Cock should know how to curb his aggression. That shot was stupid #SAvNZ

— AD (@kingad13) August 19, 2016

Faf? Cook? Philander? JP? This team is filled with passengers… #nzvsa #Proteas shooting firecrackers ???

— Khaliphile (@KhaliQakaSyd) August 19, 2016

Just noticed Ross Taylor is playing.

Asked him if he doesn't mind walking slowly down the middle of the wicket, it needs a roll. #chunky

— Quinton not de Kock (@notdekock) August 19, 2016

Outrageous brilliant catch from Kane Williamson #ridicucatch #savnz https://t.co/sC0RMcScSw

— Jack Mendel ? (@JackMendel4) August 19, 2016

Was this winter #SAvNZ test match scheduled by accident? Is it actually meant to be a rugby test?

— Paul Dennett (@the_summer_game) August 19, 2016

https://twitter.com/denniscricket_/status/766603712676499457

No AB, No fun! #NzVSA

— Mystique. (@Cricketician) August 19, 2016

Duminy gets so many chances but the Saffer media never seem to call for his head…funny ol world… #savnz

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) August 19, 2016

Duminy wasn't out LBW to an offie.

Progress.

— Quinton not de Kock (@notdekock) August 19, 2016

https://twitter.com/anmol_aleena/status/766581709882155008

https://twitter.com/denniscricket_/status/766598674071769088

This is a stunning innings so far from Amla! Every shot is out of the very top drawer.

— Rob Moody (@robelinda2) August 19, 2016

Duminy = lunchwatchman.

— Quinton not de Kock (@notdekock) August 19, 2016

I wonder if cricket commentators know how often we can hear them chatting in the background… #nzvsa

— Chris Morris (@JournoMan) August 19, 2016

Duminy joins the restricted club of Hafeez, Hales and Rohit Sharma. #SAvNZ

— U M E R (@Umerulaziz) August 19, 2016

With better shot selection, we could have ended the day only 6 down. Big day tomorrow, still behind our boys. #SAvNZ

— Thato Mamathuba (@ThatoMamathuba) August 19, 2016

Wagner is the mosquito you can never quite squash. Buzzes round batsmen like a cricketing Mascherano. A brilliant irritant. #SAvNZ

— Muzammil VagoZz (@Musammilkv) August 19, 2016