The Proteas are in deep trouble at stumps on day two of the 1st Test against New Zealand being played in Mount Maunganui.

South Africa still trail the Black Caps by 431-runs in their first innings, but they only have six wickets in hand.

The Kiwis resumed their first innings on 258/2 on Monday morning and a fine double-hundred by the Test rookie Rachin Ravindra set the tone for the hosts.

Ravindra resumed his innings on 118-runs and more than doubled that to go on to score 240-runs before being bowled out by the South African captain, Neil Brand. The New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, added just six runs to his overnight score before being dismissed for 118.

Ravindra faced 366 balls, hit 26 fours and three sixes during his superb knock.

New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 511 runs. Brand in his Test debut was the pick of the South African bowlers by taking 6/119 in 26 overs, while the debutant from the North West Dragons, Ruan de Swardt, took 2/61 in 29 overs.

At the close of play the Proteas were in a spot of bother on 80/4 with Brand out for 4, Raynard van Tonder out for a duck, Edward Moore out for 23 and Zubayr Hamza back in the hut for 22.

When stumps was called, David Bedingham was unbeaten on 29, while Keegan Petersen was not out on 2. Kyle Jamieson had taken 2/21 in 8 overs.

Speaking of Ravindra’s innings, Brand, said they gave him a lifeline, but he is sure the young New Zealander will have a bright future in the sport.

“It was unbelievable to be honest, but we did drop him,” said Brand.

“Other than that, it was flawless. I think the way he stuck the ball was pretty scary to watch. He is a great player and I'm sure he is going to have a big future ahead of him.”

Day three are the Bay Oval will get underway at 00:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport