McKenzie, Dippenaar punish New Zealand bowlers

Former Test batsmen Neil McKenzie and Boeta Dippenaar shared a double century stand as the touring New Zealanders struggled on the first day of their four-day match against South Africa A at Sedgars Park Thursday.

South Africa A, who were sent in to bat, finished the day on 350 for four with McKenzie on 156 not out. Dippenaar made 99.

Although South Africa are unlikely to make major changes to their Test team following a series win in Pakistan last month, both McKenzie and Dippenaar are candidates for a recall to the side if other batsmen fail.

The South African team for the first Test against New Zealand, which starts in Johannesburg Thursday, will be announced Saturday.

McKenzie and captain Dippenaar came together when South Africa A were 49 for two and were not separated until Dippenaar was caught off medium-pacer Jacob Oram one run short of his third century in successive matches this season. He was out one over before the second new ball was due.

McKenzie made his 156 not out off 238 balls with 24 fours, while Dippenaar made his runs off 197 balls with 19 boundaries.

New Zealand opening bowler Shane Bond took two wickets but conceded 88 runs off 18 overs.

Scoreboard

South Africa A first innings

Falls: 1-39 (Bodi), 2-49 (Petersen), 3-273 (Dippenaar), 4-309 (Duminy)

To bat: R Kleinveldt, T Tshabalala, F de Wet, C Langeveldt, L Tsotsobe

New Zealanders: D Vettori, C Cumming, M Papps, L Vincent, S Styris, R Taylor, J Oram, B McCullum, D Vettori, S Bond, I O'Brien, C Martin.