New Zealand 187-8, South Africa: New Zealand in a mess as Steyn leaves his mark
New Zealand's troubles in South Africa continued on a day curtailed by bad light in Pretoria yesterday. The tourists, already 1-0 down in the two-Test series after defeat in Johannesburg, closed with opener Craig Cumming nursing a fractured cheekbone which is likely to rule him out of the rest of the match.
The 32-year-old's departure from the crease proved the key moment. At the time, the Black Caps were 101 for 2 with Cumming and Stephen Fleming looking to build on a promising start. Although Michael Papps made only nine, Lou Vincent and Cumming had looked dangerous, until a Steyn short ball was mis-pulled by Vincent to Paul Harris.
The tourists were still in a strong position but that changed when Cumming, on 48, succumbed to a short ball from Steyn that squeezed between the top of his helmet and the grill.
Scott Styris made only three while Ross Taylor fell victim to a stunning catch from Ashwell Prince. The middle order offered little to no resistance. Chris Martin survived alongside captain Daniel Vettori (16 not out), when bad light offered New Zealand welcome respite.
Steyn was South Africa's star performer, finishing with figures of 4 for 42.
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