Dragons all-rounder scores maiden test half-century
Ruan de Swardt recorded an unbeaten half-century (55*) against a top NZ bowling attack in the second test at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
North West Dragons all-rounder, Ruan de Swardt, showed his grit and determination today (Tuesday, 13 February) when he compiled his maiden test half-century in his second test for South Africa against New Zealand in Hamilton.
De Swardt scored 55* (135 balls) in a valuable knock after the Proteas top order failed for the second time in as many tests.
De Swardt, also known as Patches, came in on 101/5 and he and Shaun von Berg (34* off 82 balls) stabilised the innings in the final season to leave SA on 220/6 at stumps on day 1.
Raynard van Tonder, another NW Dragons player, along with De Swardt were two of six cricketers who debuted for the Proteas against New Zealand in the first test at Mount Maunganui from 4 to 8 February.
De Swardt and Van Tonder had decent debuts for their country in a test side that missed most of its A-players. New Zealand picked a full-strength side for the first test and defeated SA by 284 runs.
De Swardt and Van Tonder were dismissed for 0 from 2 balls in their first innings but made up for that failure with the thirties in their second innings. De Swardt scored 34* (56 balls) in the second innings, while Van Tonder contributed 31 (82 balls) in the second innings.
De Swardt also impressed with his line and length in long bowling spells. New Zealand made a mammoth 511 all out in the first innings. De Swardt picked up 2/61 from 29 overs. He also took 1/48 in 8 overs in the second innings.
