A determined 85 by former captain Heath Streak saw Zimbabwe make 289 in their first innings on the first day of the second Castle Lager/MTN cricket Test against South Africa at Supersport Park on Friday.
Injuries to three of his main bowlers meant problems for Graeme Smith, who had to make do with ”bits-and-pieces” bowlers like AB de Villiers — normally better known as a wicketkeeper/batsman.
The most serious injury was to swing bowler Charl Langeveldt, who had to leave the field with a lower-back injury. Jacques Kallis (right hip) and Andre Nel (left hamstring strain) both left the field for some time, but were able to return to the attack later in the innings.
Streak, who was dropped, was involved in two major partnerships, putting on 76 with Andy Blignaut, before Blignaut was caught by Smith off Monde Zondeki for 52 in the first over after tea.
Streak and Graeme Cremer had a ninth-wicket partnership of 73 that ended when Streak was bowled by Kallis in the second over with the new ball.
Kallis, with four wickets for 33, and Zondeki, with three for 66, were the most successful bowlers. Nel took two wickets and Langeveldt one. — Sapa