OWN CORRESPONDENT, Wellington | Saturday 10.00am.
DARYLL Cullinan was dismissed for the first time in the series with an average of 427 as South Africa closed the third day of the of the third Test against New Zealand on Saturday on 498 for eight.
The tourists stretched their first innings lead to a daunting 276 runs and now have two days to dismiss the home side for a second time to force the victory they threatened in the first two tests but which were both drawn.
Cullinan’s 427 average for the series is the highest ever for a series of three or more tests and is second only to the astonishing 563 that Wally Hammond managed in two tests in 1932-33, also against New Zealand.
Ironically, New Zealand enjoyed their most successful day of the series with the ball, taking six wickets after claiming just six in the first two tests. Left arm spinner Daniel Vettori finished with 4-153 from a marathon 54 overs.
The only casualty in the morning session was Herschelle Gibbs who resumed on 115 but added just five more runs before powerfully sweeping Vettori to deep backward square leg where Shayne O’Connor held a well judged catch.
Hansie Cronje’s hard hitting innings of 72, with 11 boundaries off 126 deliveries, ended when a fierce on drive against Vettori was well caught by Dion Nash at mid on while Jonty Rhodes top edged a sweep off the same bowler to depart for just three.
Mark Boucher (8) was bowled by a cleverly flighted Vettori delivery shortly before the close of play while Lance Klusener’s attempted off drive against Dion Nash resulted in an inside edge to Adam Parore for 19.
Shaun Pollock finished the day unbeaten on 43 from 104 balls with Steve Elworthy on three.