New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor says he would have batted with a surgically-repaired left arm to help save the third cricket test against South Africa.

Kane Williamson scrapped his way to an unbeaten 102 as New Zealand held on to draw the third and final cricket test against South Africa in Wellington today.

Brent Arnel and Mark Gillespie were recalled to the Black Caps this week in place of Tim Southee, but only of them will replace him in the second test.

Chris Martin took three wickets in four balls to put the Black Caps in a strong position against South Africa in Dunedin.

Former New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori has had a low-key build up for tomorrow's test against South Africa.