10 Mar 2017

Kane the key again for Black Caps

9:25 am on 10 March 2017

New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson is shaping up as key to his side's fortunes in the first cricket Test against South Africa in Dunedin.

Williamson is 78 not out as his side start Friday, the third day at University Oval, 177-3, 131 runs behind the tourist's first innings of 308.

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson will be key to New Zealand's batting efforts.

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson will be key to New Zealand's batting efforts. Photo: Photosport

The wicket of the world's fourth-ranked Test batsman has been identified by the South Africans as one of the keys to winning the series, which has been helped by the hosts losing Ross Taylor to a calf injury.

"We just have to box smart and try and contain Kane Williamson. He is the key," said bowling coach Charl Langeveldt.

The Black Caps intend simply batting as long as possible, said pace bowler Trent Boult, who took four wickets in the first innings.

"We know the first hour's going to produce probably a little bit of movement sideways off the wicket," he said.

"But I'm presuming the plan is to keep them out there, build a first innings lead and have another crack at them with the ball."