Cricket: South Africa poised for big total in first test

8:30 AM

South Africa has ended the opening day at 270 for three in the first cricket test against New Zealand in Bloemfontein.

The Proteas won the toss and surprised many by electing to bat first on a Goodyear Park wicket which was expected to favour the bowlers in the early stages.

And when the home team lost its first wicket without a run on the board it looked as though they would be made to rue the decision, but opener Jacques Kallis has led the revival ending the day on 153 not out.

Video equipment failure denied New Zealand what they thought was a run out when Kallis was on 76.

Shayne O'Connor deflected the ball on to the stumps and when third umpire was called for, but the replays proved inconclusive.

Pictures from a side-view camera, which weren't available because the tape became jammed when the replay was called for, later showed Kallis was safe.

- IRN