Fire alarm prompts evacuation after Williamson century gets NZ lead

By AFP
March 10, 2017

Officials halted the final session on day three and emptied the ground as firemen searched the grandstand

DUNEDIN: Dunedin“s University Oval was evacuated during the first Test between New Zealand and South Africa after a fire alarm went off in the main grandstand on Friday.

Officials halted the final session on day three and emptied the ground as firemen searched the grandstand.

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There was no visible sign of any smoke from the stand, although officials had trouble throughout the day with drunken spectators.

South Africa were 14 for one in their second innings after New Zealand were dismissed in their first innings for 341, a lead of 33 runs.

Kane Williamson notched his 16th Test, drawing level with Ross Taylor as New Zealand“s second-most prolific century maker, one behind the record of 17 held by the late Martin Crowe.

Taylor, who was on eight when he hobbled from the field early in the New Zealand innings with a calf tear, confirmed he will continue his innings if necessary.

Williamson, who resumed on 78, was at the crease for nearly an hour and faced 27 deliveries before his first scoring shot of the day, a single off Kagiso Rabada.

After cautiously working his way up to 99, he was gifted the ton when South Africa flicked the ball to part-time spinner JP Duminy whose first delivery was a full toss which Williamson turned down the leg side for a single.

Nightwatchman Jeetan Patel added a quick seven to his overnight nine before being caught by an exceptional piece of athleticism by Faf du Plessis at second slip.

Patel edged a Vern Philander delivery that flew towards du Plessis who instinctively flung out his right hand to stop the ball which then rebounded in the air and he grasped it at the second attempt.

Morne Morkel claimed his first wicket on his return to Test cricket on a marginal call when Jimmy Neesham was caught behind for seven.

With video replays inconclusive as to whether the delivery was a no ball, third umpire Rod Tucker ruled in favour of the bowler.

But New Zealand won a decision from the Australian when Watling on three was given out lbw to Keshav Maharaj only for replays to show the ball came off his arm and would have bounced over the stumps.


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