Kallis dropped twice as South Africa make slow start

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 8 (Reuters) Jacques Kallis survived two chances as South Africa made slow progress to reach the lunch on 73 for two wickets on the opening day of the first test against New Zealand today.

Kallis was unbeaten on 29 at the interval with Herschelle Gibbs on 27 as South Africa, who won the toss and elected to bat, were battling to overcome a poor start which saw the home side lose two wickets with just 20 on the board.

Kallis was handed his first reprieve when he had made 23, edging a delivery from medium pacer Chris Martin that was dropped by Michael Papps at third slip.

After adding four more runs, Kallis hooked the first ball of Martin's next over to fine leg, where Iain O'Brien failed to hold the catch.

The hosts got off to the worst possible start when skipper Graeme Smith attempted to leave a delivery from Martin in the second over and was bowled off the edge of his bat for one.

Hashim Amla scored 12 before fast bowler Shane Bond had him caught behind by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum with a delivery that bounced steeply and straightened after pitching.

The unlucky Martin went to lunch with figures of 1-30 from nine overs.

REUTERS TB HS1735