Williamson celebrates half century as he leads Black Caps recovery

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has brought up his 34th Test half century in leading his side’s recovery on the first day of the first Test against South Africa at Mount Maunganui today.

Arriving at the crease with the Black Caps 2-1 after debutant Tshepo Moreki took a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket, Williamson set about doing what he does best: blunting an attack.

Unbeaten on 52 at tea, Williamson’s recovery effort came alongside Rachin Ravindra, who was 48 not out, New Zealand moving to 125-2.

The skipper, ranked the top Test batter in the world, was watchful after playing and missing his first ball against Moreki, but his was not a chanceless innings.

With the inexperienced South Africa, featuring six debutants, bowling and fielding with accuracy and energy after winning the toss, runs were not easy to come by and Williamson appeared uncharacteristically frustrated at times through the 30s.

He was dropped on 45; perhaps a sign of his restlessness as he charged down the wicket and took a slog at Ruan de Swardt, extra cover fielder Edward Moore dropping a difficult catch over his shoulder as he ran towards the boundary.

Williamson took two runs from the miscue and his half century came with a boundary – an exquisite on drive off Dane Paterson from the 144th ball he had faced. It was the ninth boundary of his innings and he got to his milestone four minutes short of four hours.

As has become traditional, Williamson celebrated the milestone with a semi-apologetic lift of his bat.

He and Ravindra, who came to the crease after Tom Latham was caught behind for 20 and with the Black Caps on 39-2, took their team through to 125-2 on a warm and sunny day at the Bay Oval.

Ravindra, who hit Moreki for six early in his innings, appeared in good touch but constantly found the field with well-timed shots.

With two more hours scheduled on the first day before stumps at 6pm, New Zealand will look to push on and tire a South African attack that does not possess a specialist spinner.

The Test is being broadcast live and free to air on TVNZ+ and Duke.