New Zealand bowlers fare well

ADELAIDE, NOV. 16. New Zealand captain Craig McMillan was happy enough to reduce South Australia to 281 for eight on the opening day of the tour match at the Adelaide Oval, given the lack of help for his bowlers from the pitch.

McMillan, leading the side with regular skipper Stephen Fleming being rested ahead of next week's second Test against Australia, said it had been a tough day for his attack after South Australia captain Darren Lehmann won the toss and opted to bat.

``'If you had said at the start of the day that we would have them at 280 for eight on a pretty flat deck, we would be pretty happy with that,'' McMillan said. ``But having said that, I thought the fielding was a bit slack. We missed a couple of chances, so it could have been better than what it was.''

Seamer Daryl Tuffey and left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori each took three wickets for New Zealand, and McMillan said he had been especially impressed by Vettori's return of three for 60 from 30 overs.

Former Australia Test batsman Greg Blewett, who made 106 for South Australia today, also gave credit to Vettori. The 22-year- old spinner will be a key factor in New Zealand's bid to take 20 wickets in next week's second Test on the traditionally batsman- friendly Hobart wicket. ``I thought his (Vettori's) first six or seven (overs) weren't that special,'' Blewett said. ``He was bowling a bit full but, after that, he bowled really well.''

The scores: South Australia - 1st innings: 280 for eight (Greg Blewett 106, Vettori three for 60) vs New Zealand.

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