Day 2 at Dunedin: Parity, Sort of

Bowled out South Africa for less than 250? Check. Top-order capitulation against Steyn and co averted? Check. Gained lead? Erm, check. A good day in the office? Yes and no.

The lead is 5, and given that the last-wicket-pair of Martin or Boult are at the crease we can safely assume it's won't go beyond 20. This is a pretty disappointing position to be in after the South Africans were rolled over for a below-par score on a good deck. And Dale Steyn had a rare off-day against his favourite opponents. Since the Saffers aren't likely to fall cheaply two times in a row, and we have to bat fourth, it's looking a bit ominous really. I thought a lead of at least 70 was needed.

On the other hand, it's been a good effort to stay on par with the Saffers for the first two days, when you consider what went on before the test. Also, most times we would've failed to restrict their lower order like we did today, so can't really complain. The test is still wide open.

It could have been a lot better though. The three pacemen (Steyn/Morkel/Philander) bowled extremely well and gave the batsmen a torrid time, but this was no less than expected. McCullum and Taylor played extremely well to weather the storm - possibly the best 'test style' batting I've seen from them - and then both got out to atrocious shots with the job half-done. There's the reason they average closer to the 40 mark than 50, I suppose.

The other positive of the day was seeing the lower-middle order sticking it out so we got the lead at least. Vettori made his usual contribution, Kruger van Wyk looks to be exactly the sort of scrapper we need at the test level, and Doug Bracewell finally played a decent innings. Unfortunately Tim Southee continues to be woeful with the bat, to go with his currently unthreatening bowling.

We've competed well so far, but I fear this is where South Africa decide to stop messing around and finally put the placid wicket in perspective, unless one of the pace quartet produces a great spell like Martin's yesterday.