Sarel Erwee took the Proteas to 163/1 at Tea courtesy of his maiden century on Day 1 of the 2nd Test against New Zealand.
In only his 3rd start in Test whites, the 32-year-old proved his doubters wrong by notching up his maiden century minutes before Tea on Day 1.
The fact that Erwee spent 4 hours in the middle and faced 191 balls was impressive but what made it even more impressive is that he wasn’t deterred by losing South African captain Dean Elgar after a valuable 41. They had spent 153 minutes (2.55 hours) at the crease together and gave the Proteas a good foundation.
The pair became the first to share a century stand in the first innings of a Test in New Zealand since Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs in 2004.
Erwee was on 67 at the time and the Proteas had just produced their best opening partnership in 16 innings (December 2020).
Their partnership of 111 off 219 balls was the first 100-run opening stand away from home since the 2012 Adelaide Test vs Australia when Graeme Smith and Alvirio Petersen put up a 138.
Elgar also became the first captain to win the toss and bat at the Hagley Oval which increases the value of Erwee’s knock under the circumstances.
Erwee hit 13 fours during his time at the crease and spread the ball quite evenly around the ground, playing with both guts, passion and determination. The only area he never scored in was the third-man region, which was an indication of his excellent patience game and proof that he left well.
South Africa went into Tea on 163-1.
Erwee’s innings ended after tea when he nicked Henry into the slips with a loose drive. He scored 108 off 221 balls.
