“That wasn’t our best day in the office,” said South African fast bowler, Duanne Olivier, after South Africa were bowled out for 95 on Day 1 of the first Test against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. 

READ: New Zealand comfortably take Day 1 as Proteas toil hard | 1st Test SA vs NZ

Despite being bowled out for 95, Olivier is confident of South Africa’s chances of getting back into the game.

“If we switch on and do well in the first hour tomorrow, we will be in the game. We can still bowl them out for 180. Cricket is a funny game. Things can swing 180. It’s about sticking to what we’ve been doing in the past.” 

South Africa’s fielding was well below par, with four catches being dropped in the 39 overs that South Africa sent down today.

Olivier attributed it to “a lapse in concentration.” Although, “as a bowler, you always feel frustrated. Guys don’t do it on purpose.” 

South Africa’s performance on Day 1 is another example of the team starting a Test series slowly. 

Olivier said, “It’s something we discussed to not start slow. Our intentions, our game plans were right. On the day, it’s execution. Our preparation, we’ve ticked every box.” 

Matt Henry was New Zealand’s standout bowler, finishing the day with figures of 7/23 in 15 overs. Olivier said, “He obviously swung the ball a little bit. He bowled really well. He made our batters play. We can learn from that.”