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Martin leads Kiwi fightback

Last updated on: May 06, 2006 23:18 IST

Jacques Kallis joined Garfield Sobers in one of cricket's most exclusive clubs during the third test between South Africa and New Zealand on Saturday but it was the visitors who had the better of the day.

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All rounder Kallis took his 200th wicket to become only the second man after West Indian great Sobers to capture 200 wickets and score 8,000 runs.

"It is a very special club, obviously, and it is an honour to join it," Kallis told reporters, adding, "It will mean more to me in years to come when I retire and sit back to think about it."

Kallis, who passed the 8,000 run mark earlier in the series, could only sit and watch early in the day on Saturday as South Africa collapsed from their overnight 133 for four to a total of 186, a lead of just 67 over New Zealand's 119.

New Zealand were 214 for six, a lead of 147, when bad light and rain ended play 19.1 overs early.

Kallis took his milestone wicket an hour after lunch when Stephen Fleming (37) edged a drive to AB De Villiers at third slip but overall the Kiwis had the better of the exchanges.

"All our plans went awry and that was very disappointing, but New Zealand bowled very well," South African coach Mickey Arthur told media persons, adding, "It was a frustrating day, but they are only 147 ahead and we are very much in the game."

He said: "The wicket does a lot more in the morning than in the rest of the day. It seemed to flatten out later, even though we beat the edge a lot."

Paceman Chris Martin, who spearheaded New Zealand's attack with his return of five for 37, said: "It is evenly balanced, the first session tomorrow could be the most crucial session in the match. We need another 50 runs, minimum, to feel as if we have a reasonable total to bowl at and to give the South Africans quite a bit to think about."

New Zealand hopes lie with Daniel Vettori (21 not out) and Jacob Oram (19 not out) after solid knocks earlier from Nathan Astle (45) and Scott Styris (42).

South Africa lead the three-match series 1-0.

Telford Vice
Source: REUTERS
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