Cricket: South Africans squirm off the hook yet again

PORT ELIZABETH - If New Zealand hoped to lull the South African cricketers into a false sense of security during this test series, you get the feeling they have got them just about where they want them.

Traditionally one of the more conservative sides in world cricket, South Africa have oozed confidence to the point of recklessness for much of the second test at St George's Park, yet they have still been able to swagger into the fourth day with a handy first-innings lead.

Despite Mathew Sinclair's sparkling 150 and some early success for the New Zealand bowlers, the home side again slipped the noose at the vital moment, and by stumps on the third day had effectively reached a stage where it was almost impossible for them to lose.

A draw is probably the best outcome New Zealand can hope for now, with the batsmen facing the familiar challenge of battling to save the test against a world-class attack, and on a pitch which appears to be flattening, slowing and sometimes keeping low.

So often on this never-ending tour, the South Africans have slipped out of New Zealand's clutches, and they managed it again yesterday, courtesy of a maiden test century from Neil McKenzie and more defiance from Nicky Boje, the pair repairing the innings with a record eighth-wicket partnership worth 136.

McKenzie, who is averaging 94 against New Zealand, was out just before stumps, but Boje again impressed with the bat while making an unbeaten 51, steering his side to 361 for eight and a lead of 63 with two wickets in hand.

It might have been a bigger lead had South Africa shown the discipline for which they are renowned, but they have instead seemed too impatient against New Zealand's inexperienced lineup.

Opener Gary Kirsten, as he did at Bloemfontein, perished to an extravagant drive, Jacques Kallis was playing a shot-a-ball when he departed, while Daryl Cullinan lived up to his reputation of being unpredictable and even a touched unhinged when facing spin bowling.

Only a few weeks after announcing his intention to retire from one-day cricket in an effort to concentrate on his test responsibilities, the South African No 4 has proceeded to bat as if he were preparing for baseball's major league, and lost his wicket yesterday to a wild slog at Brooke Walker.

New Zealand's under-rated attack reduced South Africa to 209 for seven before McKenzie and Boje began the rescue mission, but there was cause for some encouragement in Chris Martin's development, while Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan were again called on to shoulder a major responsibility with the ball.

"We didn't really have many wicket-taking options so we had to sit back and bowl in the right channels and be patient," New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said. "We probably didn't do enough, and they were able to feed off the loose deliveries, but we are still in the game and there's a lot of cricket still to be played."

New Zealand made a good start to the fourth morning, wrapping up the last two South African wickets at no extra cost. Martin finished with four for 104.

Opener Craig Spearman went leg before wicket to Allan Donald for 0, but Mark Richardson and Sinclair knuckled down and with lunch approaching, New Zealand were 48 for one, Richardson on 31 and Sinclair on 13.