Sinclair made the most of his unexpected opportunity

Late call-up Mathew Sinclair led a New Zealand fightback on the first day of the third Test against South Africa.

Sinclair replaced food poisoning victim Craig McMillan and scored 74 as New Zealand ended on 248-6 after being 97-4 earlier in the day.

He was eventually lbw to spinner Nicky Boje, who was South Africa's most successful bowler with 3-61.

But Brendon McCullum's 55 continued the recovery and Chris Cairns was 60 not out at the close.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith won the toss and put New Zealand in, a decision that was vindicated by a couple of early wickets.

Michael Papps was the first to go, adjudged lbw to Makhaya Ntini for seven, although Tv replays suggested he was unlucky with the decision.

It was 23-2 in the next over when Jacques Kallis had Mark Richardson caught behind for 14 before having to go off with a side strain.

A good comeback from Sinclair; he now looks likely to get an extra batting spot on the England tour From Sean O'Haire Have your say on TMS

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming helped Sinclair add 67 for the third wicket but was deceived by the first ball he faced from Boje and edged a catch to Shaun Pollock in the slips.

Fleming's dismissal for 30 was soon followed by another wicket as Scott Styris lost patience after managing only a single off 17 balls and was bowled by Boje for one.

Sinclair, playing on the ground where he scored 214 in his debut Test against West Indies four years ago, found a dependable ally in McCullum and they shared a partnership of 66.

But it came to an end with the total on 163 when Sinclair's three and three quarter hour innings, which included two sixes and eight fours, was ended by Boje.

The arrival of Cairns led to a big improvement in the scoring rate as he and McCullum added 85 in 20 overs.

Cairns 'set to end Test career'

McCullum's second Test half century arrived off 105 deliveries, but Cairns got there 45 balls quicker as he struck a six and nine fours.

It looked like they had seen it through to the close when Pollock had McCullum lbw with the final ball of the day.

New Zealand lead the series 1-0 and a draw will be enough for them to clinch their first series win over South Africa.

They gave seam bowler Michael Mason his first Test cap, while the tourists made two changes with Martin van Jaarsveld and Andre Nel replacing Neil McKenzie and David Terbrugge.

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (capt), Mark Richardson, Michael Papps, Scott Styris, Matthew Sinclair, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Michael Mason, Chris Martin.