NZ cricket shame makes world news
The 45 runs scored in the first innings is the lowest in a Test since 1974.
New Zealand latest cricket shame has made international news with the BBC describing the 45-run first Test innings against South Africa as the lowest since June 1974.
On that occasion, India scored just 42 against England at Lord's in June 1974. The total is the third lowest ever scored by New Zealand and the 12th lowest of all time.
After New Zealand had won the toss at Cape Town and elected to bat, the South African bowlers tore through the weak Kiwi lineup. Vernon Philander took five wickets for just four runs in less than three overs, while Morne Morkel (3-14) and Dale Steyn (2-18) completed the job.
The entire innings took less than 30 overs with only one New Zealander making it to double figures -- Kane Williamson with 13.
Speaking after the day's play, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum had no excuses and praised the South African bowlers.
''That spell [Philander's] was as good a spell as you'd see in test cricket," he said. ''He never misses his length and asks questions of you defensively in terms of defending your stumps but also managed to get the odd ball to kiss away.
''We weren't anywhere near where we need to be, all of us. None of us wanted it enough, or were able spend enough time at the crease to overcome the challenge laid down to us."
Steyn's two wickets made him the joint third fastest bowler to 300 Test wickets and earned a standing ovation when he knocked Doug Bracewell's off stump over.
Steyn is the fourth South African to 300 wickets after Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini, and matched the 61 Tests it took Sir Richard Hadlee and Malcolm Marshall to reach 300 wickets.
Only Dennis Lillee (56) and Muttiah Muralitharan (58) were quicker to 300 wickets, while Shane Warne took 63 Tests.
Later in the day, Jacques Kallis became the fourth batsman to reach 13,000 Test runs as South Africa finished on 252-3.
Opener Alviro Petersen was unbeaten on 103 at the close.
NBR staff
Thu, 03 Jan 2013
Thu, 03 Jan 2013
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NZ cricket shame makes world news
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