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The first Test between New Zealand and South Africa is underway at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch and the hosts started proceedings with a bang. New Zealand bowled out South Africa for a mere 95 in the first innings courtesy of local boy, Matt Henry's best Test bowling figures. The right-arm quick took seven wickets alone to leave the visitors tattering in the middle.
In his 15 overs, Henry bowled seven maidens, gave away only 23 runs, and claimed seven wickets. In his very first over, the Kiwi pacer removed South Africa captain with an away nipper. Henry started his second spell with a bang as he took two wickets in the third over. He claimed his third wicket of the innings in the form of Aiden Markram whom he got with a climbing delivery. In the same over, Henry accounted for Van der Dussen after a series of plays and misses.
The last four wickets came in quick successions for Matt Henry in his third spell. He removed Zubayr Hamza, Kyle Verreynne, Kagiso Rabada, and Glenton Stuurman.
Watch Henry's all seven wickets here:
This was Matt Henry's best bowling figures in a Test match. Also, it was the third-best figures in New Zealand Test history.
Conway-Nicholls help New Zealand recover from early blows
After bowling out South Africa for 95, New Zealand also lost two early wickets. Marco Jansen first struck to remove Will Young in the 12th over of New Zealand's innings. Then, Duanne Olivier cleaned Latham up with a peach of a delivery. However, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls formed a half-century stand to help New Zealand recover. Nicholls took the charge right away and scored four boundaries in quick successions.
On the other end, Conway was taking time before he broke free and scored his first boundary off Kagiso Rabada. On the back of a 73-run stand, New Zealand have gone past South Africa's first innings total and are leading them now. Both Conway and Nicholls are firm at the crease taking the innings forward steadily.