South Africa have been subject to attritional tactics from New Zealand at tea on the opening day of the first cricket test at Mount Maunganui

The hosts have reached 125 for two with Kane Williamson 52 and Rachin Ravindra 48 in a third-wicket stand worth 86.

Fatigue has started to play a role for the Proteas under a blazing sun as patrons flee up the embankment to shelter under the fledgling pohutukawa.

That was best exemplified shortly before the break with Williamson skying Ruan de Swardt to extra cover on 45 - one of the six debutants, Edward Moore, shelled the catch running back.

Elsewhere, Williamson has preferred to leave and defend where applicable against a relatively inexperienced attack.

Ravindra has played more expansively as he looks to cement the newly vacated number four spot.

NEWSTALK ZB'S INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COVERAGE WITH ENZED SAFETY BLACKWOODS. TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS.