South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 1st Test, Day 4, 5 Talking Points

Modified Mar 11, 2017 13:03 IST

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 11: Dean Elgar of South Africa bats during day four of the First Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at University Oval on March 11, 2017 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images) — Dean Elgar once again played a pivotal role for South Africa

#1 Patel holds all aces against de Kock

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 09: Quinton de Kock of South Africa bats during day two of the First Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at University Oval on March 9, 2017 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images) — de Kock's troubles against Patel continued as he was bowled by the off-spinner

Quinton de Kock has looked all at sea against Jeetan Patel right through this tour. One wonders if Patel was picked in this Test just to counter the de Kock threat that has strengthened the South African team to no end in recent times.

If the first innings dismissal was a brain fade from the wicket-keeper batsman, in the second innings, Patel produced an unplayable delivery to get rid of de Kock. A flighted delivery that drifted in and then turned away bamboozled de Kock and hit the off-stump.

South Africa had already lost Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma in quick succession and the de Kock dismissal pegged them back and left Faf du Plessis stranded with the tail.

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