Conway was 92 years old and had fought the South Africa bowlers for over two hours. Conway was then trapped lbw in the Lutho Sipamla match about fifteen minutes before the break.
Sipamla let loose a squeal of delight when the ball, which was angled into pads at pace beat Conway’s flick across line. Conway failed to review the ball after replays revealed that Conway had ruled in his favor.
It was a crucial breakthrough for South Africa. South Africa had to win the first test with six wickets from New Zealand.
If Conway and Blundell had lasted until lunch, tensions would have escalated significantly in the two previous sessions.
New Zealand decided to eat at 180-5, with Blundell scoring 44 runs and Colin de Grandhomme making his first century. New Zealand scored 86 runs during the first session, despite its defensive mission.
South Africa lead by 71 runs in the first innings. New Zealand was bowled out for 293 runs after New Zealand won the toss.
Shortly before tea, Captain Dean Elgar declared South Africa’s second innings at 354-9. Kyle Verreyne was left wicketkeeper-batsman and scored 136 runs — his maiden century.
New Zealand never had the possibility of running a run chase. It would have to score 426 to beat the 418 run chase by Australia.
Instead, the team was determined to bat through four sessions in order to secure a draw that would guarantee a series victory, which would be its first series win against South Africa in 17 years.
This was a huge task when Kagiso Raja took wickets of Will Young and Tom Latham in the first three overs. Spinner Keshav Maharaj bowled Henry Nicholls for New Zealand to leave at 25-3.
Conway scored 56 runs for the fourth wicket, with Daryl Mitchell (24) taking 24 runs in a 98-minute partnership that was close to stumps. Conway’s half-century was his third in seven test matches — he also holds a double century, two centuries and two centuries — but it was his first innings in a test match. He averages over 90 runs in the first innings, but just 14 in the second.
South Africa’s breakthrough by Sipamla put it on top with just two sessions left. This was a significant turnaround from its loss to the first test by 276 runs and an innings.
Only the bowlers are left after the current partnership. Only 10 more overs are needed for the second ball.
