Maiden Franklin ton heaps misery on South Africa

CAPE TOWN, Apr 29 (Reuters) James Franklin completed his maiden test century as New Zealand retained control on the third day of the second test against South Africa in Cape Town today.

South Africa were 48 for one at lunch in reply to New Zealand's first innings 593 for eight declared, which they scored after being put in to bat.

Boeta Dippenaar was 13 not out at the lunch interval with Hashim Amla, who is playing his first test in almost 16 months, on six.

Resuming on their overnight 535 for eight, New Zealand forged further ahead courtesy of Franklin's patient knock.

Taking inspiration from skipper Stephen Fleming's imperious 262 earlier in the innings, Franklin reached an unbeaten 122 not out in four and a half hours in which he faced 268 balls and hit 14 fours and a six.

Debutant Jeetan Patel took guard for the first time in test cricket on Saturday, and he showed a straight bat to help Franklin to reach his hundred.

Franklin went to his century with a straight drive for four off fast bowler Dale Steyn.

Patel was 27 not out in a stand of 58 off 79 balls for the unbroken ninth wicket when the declaration came after an hour's play.

South Africa were in the field for 165 overs, and the best of their tired set of bowling figures belonged to Makhaya Ntini, the paceman taking four for 162 from 43 overs.

Off-spinner Patel then deepened the misery for the hosts when he took his first test wicket with his third ball when skipper Graeme Smith, who scored 25, lifted a drive and presented the bowler with a simple return catch.

Today's play started on schedule, but rain has been forecast for the afternoon and for tomorrow morning. South Africa are 1-0 up in the three-match series.

REUTERS DH PM1632