Smith leads steady start by South Africa

Graeme Smith survived an early blow on the batting helmet to lead a solid start by South Africa on the first day of the second and final Test against New Zealand at St George\'s Park on Friday. South Africa were 99 for one at lunch, with Smith on 40 not out. Hashim Amla was undefeated on 32. Alviro Petersen was the only batsman dismissed, caught at fine leg when he mistimed a pull shot against Doug Bracewell after making 21. Smith, the South African captain, needed treatment on the field when he took his eye off a short-pitched delivery from Bracewell in the fourth over and was struck on the earpiece of his helmet. It was one of several short-pitched balls from the New Zealand bowlers as they attempted to match their opponents for aggression after being defeated by an innings and 27 runs in the first Test in Cape Town. There was minimal assistance for the bowlers on a slow pitch, but Bracewell bowled impressively, taking one for 18 in eight overs. Rory Kleinveldt replaced fellow pace bowler Vernon Philander, who is recovering from a hamstring strain, in the only change in the South African team. New Zealand showed two changes. Left-arm fast bowler Neil Wagner replaced veteran Chris Martin, while batsman Colin Munro came in for all-rounder James Franklin, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury. From : AFP