Du Plessis takes over as South African anchor

PORT ELIZABETH: Faf du Plessis took over the anchor role from Hashim Amla on the second day of the second and final Test against New Zealand at St George's Park on Saturday.

Du Plessis made 99 not out as South Africa reached 390 for five at lunch. They added only 65 runs in 29 overs during the morning.

In overcast conditions, New Zealand produced their best spell of bowling and fielding so far in the series after rain delayed the start of play by 15 minutes.

Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell both bowled a tight line and were well backed up by the fielders as only 11 runs were scored in the first 11 overs for the loss of Amla's wicket.

Amla added only four runs off 24 balls before he was caught down the legside by wicketkeeper BJ Watling off the left-armed Boult for 110.

Du Plessis was struck a painful blow in the abdomen in the first over of the day when a ball from Bracewell cut back sharply. He needed attention on the pitch before resuming.

Du Plessis, who made a match-saving century on debut against Australia in Adelaide earlier in the season, proceeded cautiously as he and Dean Elgar added 54 for the sixth wicket, with Elgar (31 not out) playing some fine attacking strokes against the off-spinner, Jeetan Patel.

On 98, Du Plessis almost played on against part-time seam bowler Colin Munro. On 99 he was struck on the right hand by a ball from the same bowler which reared off a good length. He played out two successive maidens from Munro to be stranded one short of his hundred at lunch. (AFP)