With Sarel Erwee’s century, South Africa dominated Day 1

The visitors reached 283/3 at Stump’s on Friday, led by a century from rookie opener Sarel Erwee, erasing the wounds of their 95-all-out first innings defeat in New Zealand.

At first, Erwee scored just 10 runs on debut against the hosts in the series opener last week, but the lefthander returned on a glorious afternoon at Hagley Oval, where he batted superbly, repelling New Zealand’s disciplined seam attack to complete 100 not out.

Despite a poor run of form, number three Aiden Markram scored 42 before falling to Nel Wagner after skipper Dean Elgar hit 41 in a 111-run opening stand with Erwee.

Rassie van der Dussen (13*) and Temba Bavuma (22*) batted as South Africa looked to build on its strong start and post a challenging total.

The breakthrough brought the opening partnership to 111 runs, South Africa’s first above 100 since Alviro Petersen and Graeme Smith connected for 138 against Australia in the second innings at Adelaide Oval in 2012.

Elgar and Erwee’s stand was also a record for a visiting team’s openers at Christchurch Stadium.

After battling through five maiden overs and a shaky time in the 90s, Erwee, 32, pulled up his century in the final over before lunch, pushing Neil Wagner to the fence.

As a tiny throng on the ground applauded, he pulled off his helmet and pumped his fist.

South Africa added three new players to their squad: all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, spinner Keshav Maharaj, and paceman Lutho Sipamla.

With a fractured thumb, batsman Zubayr Hamza was ruled out, while speed bowlers Duanne Olivier and Glenton Stuurman were also removed.

New Zealand, minus captain Kane Williamson and pace spearhead Trent Boult, stayed with the same 11 that dominated the Proteas in the series opener as they sought their first series victory against the Proteas.

While a draw will suffice for New Zealand to win the series, a win would see them dethrone Australia as the world’s number one Test team while also bolstering their World Test Championship defence with maximum points.