Steyn takes four as New Zealand stumble

CENTURION, South Africa, Nov 16 (Reuters) South African fast bowler Dale Steyn took four wickets to pile the pressure on New Zealand on the first day of the second test today.

New Zealand, who won the toss and chose to bat, lurched to 187-8 before bad light followed by a thunderstorm ended play three overs after tea.

A fiery Steyn, who took match figures of 10-93 in the first test in Johannesburg which South Africa won by 358 runs, claimed 4-42.

New Zealand reached lunch on 84-1 before losing five wickets for 100 in the second session.

South African assistant coach Vincent Barnes told a news conference that captain Graeme Smith had given the players a lunchtime pep talk, saying he was concerned about the bowling.

''He felt we didn't hit our straps as we would have liked to,'' Barnes said. ''We sprayed the ball about a bit and bowled inconsistent lengths.

''He asked the bowlers to step up. They didn't bowl badly, but he wanted them to put more pressure on the batsmen.'' Opener Craig Cumming, who retired hurt on 48, was among the casualties after being felled by a Steyn bouncer that fractured his cheekbone.

Barnes said Steyn had not been shaken by the incident, which also opened a cut on Cumming's face that required two stitches.

''The next batter who came in got a short ball, so I don't think it affected him too much,'' Barnes said.

''Test cricket is hard but there is concern about the player and Dale would have been concerned.'' GRITTY INNINGS New Zealand team manager Lindsay Crocker said Cumming might be kept in hospital overnight.

''The surgeon will check him there to see if he needs to stay overnight and what needs to be done,'' Crocker told a news conference.

In his next over, Steyn trapped Scott Styris in front for three, leaving fast bowlers Andre Nel and Jacques Kallis to reduce New Zealand to 184-6 at tea.

Nel had Ross Taylor caught by Prince in the gully for 17 before Kallis induced a slash from Stephen Fleming which was caught by Prince at backward point to end a gritty innings of 43.

Nel bowled what became the last ball of the second session, which Brendon McCullum edged to AB de Villiers at third slip to be dismissed for 13.

Steyn completed his haul by trapping debutant Mark Gillespie in front and having Iain O'Brien caught by Gibbs at fourth slip, both for nought, with consecutive deliveries.

Former captain Stephen Fleming summed up New Zealand's disappointing day.

''We're just not getting the job done,'' Fleming told a news conference. ''A score of 187-8 represents another poor day.

''Not one batsman can say he's in touch or that he's doing the job and that's a disappointing statement to have to make.'' Reuters RAR RS2254