Kallis steadies South Africa

CENTURION, South Africa, Apr 17 (Reuters) Jacques Kallis's half-century in his 100th test steadied South Africa on the third day of the first test against New Zealand today.

But at tea South Africa were still only 148 for five in their second innings, a lead of just 97 runs.

The home side were dismissed for 276 in their first innings, to which New Zealand replied with 327.

Kallis scored a solid 62 to anchor a South African innings that had limped to 73 for four, but he was dismissed in the fourth over before tea.

The South Africans' problems started in the third over of the day on a tricky wicket when medium pacer Chris Martin trapped Graeme Smith in front for seven.

Three overs later they were 19 for two after Herschelle Gibbs, who scored two, failed to move his feet to a delivery from left-arm paceman James Franklin and edged a catch to Scott Styris at second slip.

Boeta Dippenaar looked good in his innings of 16, but it ended when he steered a delivery from medium pacer Jacob Oram to Stephen Fleming at first slip.

South Africa were reduced to 73 for four in the third over after lunch when Franklin induced a loose drive from Ashwell Prince, who was caught behind by Brendon McCullum for 11.

Kallis retained his composure despite facing several deliveries that passed the stumps at ankle height, and one from Martin that leapt off a length before finding the shoulder of the bat and falling safely beyond gully.

But Kallis was out when he fetched at a wide delivery from medium pacer Scott Styris and his attempted hook was caught by Daniel Vettori at fine leg.

His dismissal ended a fifth-wicket partnership of 67 with AB de Villiers, who was 36 not out at tea with Mark Boucher on one.

REUTERS PG RN1831