Algar's ton leads Proteas fightback in Dunedin

South Africa's opening batsman Dean Elgar scored a brilliant century under pressure to bring his team out of hot waters on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand at the University Oval here on Wednesday.

At stumps on Day One, the Proteas were 229 for four with Elgar (128*) and Temba Bavuma (38*) at the crease respectively.

Earlier, winning the toss, the visitors were in a spot of bother after losing three wickets for mere 22 runs on the board.

However, Elgar shared a 126-run stand with skipper Faf du Plessis (52) and in the process scored his seventh Test century to revive the visitor's innings.

Later on, Bavuma and Elgar batted the entire last session and the duo have put on 81 valuable runs.

The Black Caps also ensured the game did not run away from them, for the most part keeping a lid on the scoring, after making the surprise decision of selecting two frontline spinners.

Neil Wagner was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he scalped two wickets giving away 59 runs in the 24 overs he bowled, while Trent Boult and James Neesham chipped in with a wicket each.