DURBAN: South Africa won the toss and decided to bat on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand at Kingsmead on Friday.
The start was delayed by half an hour because of a wet outfield on an overcast day.
South Africa were captained for the first time by Faf du Plessis in the absence of AB de Villiers, who has an elbow injury. The match marked the return to fitness of fast bowling kingpins Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.
New Zealand showed one change from the team that recently defeated Zimbabwe in two Test matches in Bulawayo. Seamer Doug Bracewell replaced leg-spinner Ish Sodhi.
Teams:
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (captain), Dean Elgar, Stephen Cook, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wkt), Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.
