South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 2nd Test- Day 2, 5 talking points

#3 De Kock conquers Patel curse

De Kock dug into a lacklustre Jeetan Patel

Quinton de Kock walked out to the middle with a huge burden on his shoulders. South Africa were 94/6 and he had to face his nemesis in the series, Jeetan Patel. The first 15 balls he faced turned out to be an enthralling contest between Patel and him as the off-spinner had de Kock bamboozled.

Once he cut Patel for a boundary, the confidence slowly started improving. He ramped Southee for a six before taking on Wagner over fine-leg. A lofted six off Patel followed soon after he had made his half-century.

The wicket-keeper batsman did just what Henry Nicholls had done for New Zealand the day before. He piled on some crucial and quick runs in the company of a stable Temba Bavuma and helped the Proteas take a crucial lead from a precarious position in the morning session. Unfortunately, de Kock fell to Neesham on 91, missing out on a hundred that was there for the taking.