Proteas deflated following New Zealand devastation

Proteas skipper Neil Brand said that his team were deflated after being blown out of the water by New Zealand in the first of two Tests.

New Zealand declared overnight after buidling a 528 run lead with 179 for 4 in their second innings.

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PROTEAS IN NEW ZEALAND: DEFLATED AFTER HALF JOB

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South Africa would have to bat for two full days to secure a draw or chase down a record total for the win but they fell just short of batting for three full sessions.

Brand was disappointed in his own efforts with the bat while he admitted taking little solace from the six wickets he claimed with his part-time spin.

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“It’s very deflating,” Brand said after the match according to ESPN Cricinfo. 

“We gave them chances and who knows what would have been. Our patience was tested on this wicket, the guys got in and got themselves out. 

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“Back to the drawing board now and hopefully we can do better in the next Test. 

“It’s opbviosuly disappointing to lose wickets after breaks. 

“We’re raring to get back for the second Test. 

“Six wickets was a massive honour for me but my currency is runs, so disappointed to not contribute there.”

BEDINGHAM STANDS OUT AMIDST A SEA OF DISAPPOINTMENT

David Bedingham was the standout for the Proteas as he played an aggressive knock marked by a willingness to take on the short ball.

Bedingham’s second innings 87 was the only 50+ score notched by a Proteas player but he lamented his failure to secure a maiden Test century.

“Quite upset I didn’t score a hundred,” he said. 

Of his aggressive approach, Bedingham said: “We practised that kind of tactic (against the short balls) because the Kiwis do that quite a bit. 

“I’m glad I stuck to it till the end. 

“The first over Henry was bowling I was blocking and I thought one might pop and I might get caught so better to go after it. 

“Also I like to play on my terms. 

“I think this wicket is a lot different to the ones I played in India. 

“If we get an extended run we can all be successful. 

“From a batting point of view we can all take a lot out of Kane’s innings. 

“We don’t bat like him but in terms of the application, even from Rav. 

“If we can learn 10% from Kane, we’ll all be better players.”