Fire alarm prompts evacuation in Dunedin Test

The overnight pair of Dean Elgar (140) and Temba Bavuma (64) ‘added just 15 runs in the first 10 overs of the day adopting a cautious approach.

South Africa coach Russell Domingo said that while the absence of influential batsman de Villiers would be keenly felt in the Test series, they had no option but to move on.

With the home side threatening to achieve a meaningful first-innings lead, thanks largely to Kane Williamson’s superb century, Maharaj bagged the last three wickets to finish with figures of 5 for 94 and keep New Zealand to a first-innings total of 341.

If this Test goes the duration, there are only three days before the second Test starts in Wellington on March 16, which gives New Zealand six days to name a replacement if necessary.

Philander was the most effective of the South African bowlers with one for 11 off six overs on a wicket New Zealand were able to exploit earlier in the day. The right-hander was undefeated on 8 when he appeared to strain his right calf as a short ball from Morne Morkel pushed him deep into his crease before he looked to take a single.

That didn’t stop a raucous crowd on the designated student bank getting vocal, cheering on people skolling their beers – many of who were then evicted.

The match is now evenly poised, despite the freakish delay in the final session.

In the seventh over an alarm began wailing from the main stand at the southern end of the ground‚ and soon a fire engine arrived.

Play was delayed by 20 minutes and stumps were pushed back by that margin until players and fans returned when no sign of fire was found.

Contributions also came from Jeet Raval (52) and BJ Watling (50).

“But that’s just what happens”.

It’s genuinely tough to say how the day will play out.

Firemen who searched the area blamed steam for setting off the alarm and when play resumed, in gathering gloom, New Zealand’s spinners were unable to find success against Hashim Amla, who was unbeaten on 23, and Dean Elgar (12).

“I kept it simple today and luckily things paid dividends”, he said.