Matt Henry, a New Zealand pacer, recorded career-high numbers.

In the first day of the first Test in Christchurch on Thursday, New Zealand bowl out South Africa for 95 in their first innings in two sessions, powered by Matt Henry’s career-best seven wicket haul.

Tea was called early when tailender Duanne Oliver was bowled for one to conclude the innings, with Henry collecting seven for 23 as New Zealand profited from winning the toss and requesting South Africa to bat in bowler-friendly conditions.

On the first day of the first Test in Christchurch on Thursday, New Zealand smashed South Africa for 95 in their first innings in two sessions, powered by Matt Henry’s career-best seven wicket haul.

But, with Boult on paternity leave, Henry, who was born in Christchurch, enjoyed the opportunity to play in front of his local fans.

He removed South African skipper Dean Elgar for one with his fourth ball, a ball that nipped off the surface.

When South Africa appeared to be putting up a fight, with Hamza and Kyle Verreynne putting up 33 for the sixth wicket, Henry dismissed the duo, as well as Kagiso Rabada and debutant Glenton Stuurman, in an eight-ball burst.

Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, and Neil Wagner all took one wicket each alongside Henry.