Oram hits century to rescue New Zealand

CENTURION, South Africa, Apr 16 (Reuters) A defiant century by Jacob Oram rescued New Zealand on the second day of the first test against South Africa today.

Oram scored a career-best 133 to anchor New Zealand's first innings of 322, which they scored in reply to South Africa's 276.

South Africa were four without loss in their second innings at stumps.

New Zealand's first innings lead seemed improbable when Oram walked to the crease with the scoreboard reading 38 for four.

The visitors lurched to 45 for five before Oram and Brendon McCullum began the fightback with a stand of 44.

Daniel Vettori then joined Oram to put on 183 for the seventh wicket.

Fast bowler Makhaya Ntini bowled with aggression and pace, and exploited the low bounce in the pitch to take five for 94.

REUTERS PM KN2050