Matt Henry claimed a career-best 7-23 as New Zealand bundled out South Africa for 95 in two sessions to take charge of the opening test in Christchurch on Thursday.
Playing his first Test in eight months Henry wreaked havoc on a greentop at the Hagley Oval, consigning South Africa to their lowest score against New Zealand. Henry’s bounce and movement saw South Africa bowled out for 95 before tea. While, Tea was taken early when tail Duanne Oliver was out for one to end the innings with Henry taking seven for 23 as New Zealand cashed in winning the coin toss and calling on South Africa to hitting under conditions favorable to bowlers.
Henry’s previous best was four for 93 against South Africa four years ago, he has struggled to be a regular member of the New Zealand attack where Tim Southee and Trent Boult have long been the new ball bowlers. However, with Boult on paternity leave, the Christchurch-born Henry relished the chance to perform in front of his home crowd.
Meanwhile, New Zeland reached Stumps on Day 1 at 116/3 as 13 wickets fell on a day where bowlers dominated in Christchurch. Henry Nicholls (37) and nightwatchman Neil Wagner (2) were unbeaten as New Zealand sealed a 21-run lead at Stumps.