Cricket: Fleming says disastrous session led to defeat

12:00 PM

PORT ELIZABETH - New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming blamed "a disastrous session" on the fourth day of the second test for his side's seven-wicket defeat by South Africa on Monday.

The Black Caps, 63 behind on first innings, never recovered after losing four wickets in six overs.

"It turned horribly wrong after lunch on Sunday," said Fleming.

"It was a disastrous session that cost us the match. It was poor batsmanship and poor option taking.

"Any plans we had of extending the game were thrown out of the window. If we had put another 150 on the board it would have been a bloody good game. We missed the boat."

Fleming also pinned part of the blame for the series defeat on New Zealand's lengthy injury list which has claimed all-rounder Chris Cairns, left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori and fast bowler Dion Nash.

"With Cairns, Vettori and Nash you can have sessions like that and still win matches," Fleming said.

South Africa captain Shaun Pollock said there had been two turning points for his side.

"Obviously, one of them was to to be seven down (in the first innings) and 90 behind and to turn that round into a 60-run lead.

"Then there was the way we bowled in the middle session yesterday. The pitch wasn't doing too much and to pick up four quick wickets turned the game on its head and set up the victory for us," said Pollock.

- REUTERS