Terrence Mawawa| The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team had a torrid time in the opening match of their test series against South Africa in that country yesterday.

South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel had Zimbabwe in serious trouble on the first day of their test series on Tuesday, taking 3-20 as the Chevrons struggled to 30-4.

South Africa surged ahead on 309-9 after opting to bat first, and forced the Zimbabwe top order to face just over an hour of night time fast bowling with a lively pink ball.

Morkel removed Hamilton- Masakadza leg before wicket on the first delivery of the Zimbabwe innings, and had Chamu Chibhabha (6) and Brendan Taylor (0) out to catches behind the wicket as the ball swung prodigiously and zipped around off the seam. Fellow quick bowler Vernon Philander added the wicket of Craig Ervine for 4 and Zimbabwe were 14-4 before sending in nightwatchman Kyle Jarvis to help debutant Ryan Burl (15 not out).

Regular skipper Faf du Plessis was ruled out of the the game with a virus, forcing former test captain De Villiers to take charge again temporarily. Also, wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock injured a hamstring while batting, leaving de Villiers to take over as the ‘keeper. Fast bowler Dale Steyn’s return to tests for the first time in over a year was delayed after he was also withdrawn from the team because of illness.