Sinclair has not been picked by New Zealand for the first Test

South Africa's bowlers had to work hard for their wickets on day two of their Test warm-up game against Central Districts in New Zealand.

Matthew Sinclair and Jarrod Englefield shared a stand of 151 for the fifth wicket before the state side declared on 239-6.

Englefield made 77 and Sinclair was caught and bowled by Nicky Boje just one run short of a century.

South Africa reached 95-3 at the close in Napier, a lead of 142.

Jacques Rudolph (31) and Herschelle Gibbs (26) provided a useful start to their second innings, but the loss of two wickets shortly before the close was a setback for the tourists.

Rudolph was caught by Sinclair off left-armer Lance Hamilton, who also had Martin van Jaarsveld lbw for 19.

But Gary Kirsten survived on 14 not out, with night-watchman Paul Adams on two.

Central Districts resumed on 36-2 at the start of play and were soon in trouble as Andre Nel struck a double blow.

Paceman Nel had Glenn Sulzberger caught by Boje for two and then found edge of Ross Taylor's bat.

Wicket-keeper Mark Boucher made no mistake and Taylor was on his way back to the pavilion for 12, with the state side on 56-4.

But Sinclair, who has made 20 Test appearances, was in the mood to make a point to the selectors as he and Englefield advanced the total to 207.

A 14th first-class century was there for the taking but Sinclair missed out and the declaration came when Englefield was caught by van Jaarsveld off David Terbrugge, leaving Bevan Griggs on 15 not out.