Boult strikes key blows to leave South Africa 146-4 at tea

DURBAN, South Africa (AP) Trent Boult struck two key blows as New Zealand claimed the upper hand on the first day of the first test against South Africa on Friday.

Boult removed opener Stephen Cook and a free-flowing Hashim Amla as South Africa went to tea on 146-4, after winning the toss and batting first in muggy conditions.

The home side's score brought captain Faf du Plessis' decision into question.

The match was delayed by half an hour due to a wet outfield and began under cloudy skies, and New Zealand's seamers enjoyed plenty of assistance.

Although Cook weathered the opening hour with fellow opener Dean Elgar, Boult dismissed Cook on the stroke of drinks for 20, and after Amla revived the innings with a brisk 53, Boult returned to have him caught behind.