Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Twitter reactions as South Africa rolled for 95: Matt Henry 7/23 | Matt Henry takes 7 as South Africa rolled for 95 in 1st Test vs NZ
South Africa have endured the worst possible start to their New Zealand tour, as they were rolled for 95 on the first day of the first Test in Christchurch. Seamer Matt Henry was the star, taking a brilliant 7/23 as the Proteas crumbled to their lowest ever score against New Zealand.
Henry, who is not a regular in New Zealand’s Test side, had the ball on a string. He moved the ball either way, and the tourists had little answer in a series of edges behind the wicket. Incredibly, Henry’s Test average has only now dropped to below 40 after a very slow start to his career, owing to both difficult bowling conditions at times and no prolonged run in the New Zealand side.
For South Africa, this feels like a big step backwards after the brilliant triumph at home to India in January. Fighting hard with the bat was a key part of their victory, but very little of the technique and temperament required was on show on the first day in New Zealand. Zubayr Hamza top scored with 25, with no other batsman crossing 20 on a wretched day.
Now, they face a huge task to fight back in the Christchurch Test on a pitch that is expected to flatten out. Henry hit the perfect length on a consistent basis, and the template is set for the Proteas’ attack to try and replicate.
