New Zealand make solid start before Nel breakthrough

CAPE TOWN, Apr 27 (Reuters) New Zealand made a solid start to the second test against South Africa today, the tourists reaching 62 for one at lunch after paceman Andre Nel struck for the home side shortly before the interval.

At the break, the not out batsmen were Peter Fulton on 36 and skipper Stephen Fleming on one.

Play was delayed for 30 minutes to allow dew on the outfield to dry and upon winning the toss, South Africa had no hesitation is asking New Zealand to bat first on a tricky surface.

However, openers Michael Papps and Fulton did well to ride out a challenging first hour as fast bowlers Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn found movement off the seam and beat the bat repeatedly.

Edges fell close to fielders, but never within reach.

Nel came on as a first change bowler and struck in the third over before lunch when he swung a delivery into Papps, who shouldered arms and was bowled for 22 to end the first-wicket stand at 50.

Papps is playing in place of Hamish Marshall, who was forced to withdraw with sore ribs sustained when he was struck by a Ntini bouncer in last week's first test, which South Africa won by 128 runs Off spinner Jeetan Patel made his debut for New Zealand as a second slow bowler alongside left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori.

South Africa were denied the services of experienced all rounder Shaun Pollock, who withdrew shortly before the start of the match because of a stiff lower back.

Nel came in for Pollock, returning to the team after missing the opening test with a shoulder injury.

Hashim Amla, who played the last of his three tests against England in Cape Town in January 2005, won his fourth cap when he replaced the axed Herschelle Gibbs in the South African team.

REUTERS PDS PM1643