South Africa dragged themselves back into the first Test against New Zealand when they dismissed Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor in quick succession as the hosts battled to 144 for five at tea on the second day at University Oval in Dunedin.
Daniel Vettori was on 18 while debutant wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk was on one at the break with the momentum back with the Proteas after they were bowled out for a modest 238 midway through the first session.
New Zealand lost four wickets in the middle session, which was lengthened to compensate for lost play on the opening day due to rain. Martin Guptill went quickly, dismissed for 16 in the first over after lunch.
McCullum and Taylor were then subjected to a torrid spell of hostile, controlled pace bowling with Taylor hit three times by Morné Morkel, once each on the hands, stomach and shoulder as the tall quick peppered the New Zealand captain with short-pitched deliveries.
But the pair managed to survive the onslaught and looked well placed to build a comprehensive partnership, only for McCullum to top-edge a delivery from leg-spinner Imran Tahir and be caught and bowled for 48.
Taylor, who punched Morkel down the ground then drove him through the covers for two boundaries in three balls, then chased a wide ball and was caught by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher for 44 to leave New Zealand 116 for four.
Kane Williamson (11) feathered a catch to Boucher off Vernon Philander to leave the hosts in deep trouble at 135 for five.
The visitors had earlier resumed on 191/7 with Jacques Rudolph on 46 and Philander on four.
The pair compiled a 35-run partnership that had become a nuisance to the home side before Philander slashed at a short, wide delivery from Chris Martin and was well caught in the gully by Williamson for 22.
Rudolph failed to get over the top of a full delivery from Doug Bracewell and was caught by Trent Boult for 52 in the next over, while Tahir was run out for 10 while attempting a third run on a shot to the boundary.
If South Africa sweep the series 3-0, they will take over the world No. 1 Test ranking from England. — Reuters